Journal of Trauma and Injury

The Korean Society of Traumatology (대한외상학회)
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Esophageal Rupture Due to Diving in Shallow Waters

  • Han, Sung Ho (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Chon, Soon-Ho (Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Jong Hyun (Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Min Koo (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Kwon, Oh Sang (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Kyoung Hwan (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Jung Suk (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Ho hyoung (Department of Traumatology, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Chon, June Raphael (St. Johnsbury Academy)
  • Received : 2017.12.12
  • Accepted : 2017.12.26
  • Published : 2018.04.30
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Abstract

Delayed esophageal rupture due to blunt injury is not new. However, rupture due to suspected barotrauma is very rare. We describe a case of esophageal rupture in a male 24-year-old patient after diving in shallow waters. The patient was quadriplegic and could not experience the typical chest pain related to rupture and resulting mediastinitis. The rupture was discovered 4 days after emergency decompressive laminectomy and fusion for his cervical spine. The rupture was evidently caused by barotrauma and was discovered four days after admission. He underwent primary closure and pericardial flap as a life-saving procedure.

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References

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