Penetrating esophageal injury: A diagnostic challenge in resource-limited settings; a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating injuries to the upper aerodigestive tract are potentially life-threatening, with significant morbidity and mortality. Although rare, the cervical esophagus is the most vulnerable part of the esophagus to penetrating injuries. Given the unique and condensed anatomy of the neck, penetrating injuries to the second zone of the neck pose a demanding challenge. Contention exists in diagnosing and managing penetrating esophageal injuries. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein is a case of a young male with a penetrating neck injury from the left lateral aspect with subsequent esophageal injury. An early primary repair with muscle buttress resulted in admirable results. DISCUSSION: Accurate diagnosis and timely management are critical in deflating morbidity and mortality. Flexible esophagoscopy and Computed tomography with water-soluble contrast are the ideal modalities for diagnosing penetrating neck injuries, as clinical evaluation alone can readily overlook cervical esophagus injury. The esophageal repair depends on the patient's clinical condition, the extent of damage, anatomical location, and duration of the injury. Management varies from a conservative approach to radical esophagectomies. Surgery remains a cornerstone in managing penetrating esophageal injuries. Primary repair with an external drain is advocated within 24 h of injury. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion and timely diagnosis are critical in successfully managing penetrating esophageal injuries. Neck injuries demand a comprehensive evaluation for any aerodigestive or vascular leaks. Early primary repair with a muscle buttress improves the chance of an effective repair.

Infant gastroduodenal necrosis: a case report.

We report a case of a two month old baby who had presented with an acute abdomen. Intra operative necrosis of the abdominal esophagus to distal of ligamentum treitz was noted. He was subjected to palliative care and passed away on Day 8 post-surgery.

Bilateral chylothorax following neck dissection on a child-Diagnosis and management in resource-limited settings: a case report.

Bilateral chylothorax is a rare complication following neck dissection, with fewer than thirty cases being reported over the last century. A serious life-threatening condition mostly encountered during thoracic procedures and dissections. In our case, conservative management resulted in complete resolution. We report a case of a 4-year-old child who underwent deep neck dissection due to recurrent hemangioma. She developed bilateral chylothorax and a conservative approach led to complete resolution.