Esophageal perforation more than 10 years after anterior cervical spine surgery: a case report and literature review.

ABSTRACT: Esophageal perforation is a rare but serious complication that can occur post-cervical spine surgery. This case report presents the clinical course, diagnostic challenges and management strategies of a patient who had a late-diagnosis esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). A woman in her 50s underwent ACSS for cervical spondylosis. Three months postoperatively, she experienced persistent right neck and shoulder pain. Despite multiple consultations, an esophageal perforation was only diagnosed 10 years later when a neck mass ruptured, discharging food debris. Surgical management included removing the anterior cervical plate and reconstruction with a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Postoperatively, she faced wound complications, and the perforation failed to he

SUBMITTER: Luo H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11728875 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature