Esophageal necrosis and perforation of the left main bronchus following photodynamic therapy of esophageal carcinoma

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002 Apr;50(2):111-3. doi: 10.1055/s-2002-26697.

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy is an effective palliative treatment of esophageal cancer. Minor complications associated with this therapy include pleural effusions, fever or esophageal strictures. In addition to this major complications such as respiratory-esophageal fistula and bronchus perforation have been described. We report here our experience with a patient who developed a complete esophageal necrosis and perforation of the left main bronchus following photodynamic therapy. The surgical and intensive care management of the patient is described and the literature discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchial Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Diseases / etiology*
  • Bronchial Diseases / surgery
  • Carcinoma / therapy*
  • Critical Care / methods
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Esophageal Perforation / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Perforation / etiology*
  • Esophageal Perforation / pathology
  • Esophageal Perforation / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Palliative Care*
  • Photochemotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Radiography
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / etiology
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / therapy