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01-02-2018 | Case Report - Spine

Spontaneous healing of a shredded esophagus after ACDF without direct repair

Authors: Sumedh S. Shah, S. Shelby Burks, Dao M. Nguyen, Zoukaa B. Sargi, Joy Stephens-McDonnough, Michael Y. Wang

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

Esophageal perforation is a catastrophic complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). While direct surgical repair has been reported as optimal for restoration of upper gut function, we present the case of a 58-year-old woman who achieved complete resolution when treated only with debridement and drainage. We find that a supportive approach, surgical management without direct repair, may play a vital role in select patient populations in order to avoid potentially long-term consequences or radical treatments, like esophageal diversion. Decisions regarding direct repair versus debridement and inspection only should be made on a case-by-case basis through a multidisciplinary approach.

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Title: Spontaneous healing of a shredded esophagus after ACDF without direct repair
Authors: Sumedh S. Shah
S. Shelby Burks
Dao M. Nguyen
Zoukaa B. Sargi
Joy Stephens-McDonnough
Michael Y. Wang
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-017-3414-7

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Spontaneous healing of a shredded esophagus after ACDF without direct repair

Abstract

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Abstract

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