Potent Potables (Anatomy)
In order to access the most distal 1/3 of the esophagus, a thoracotomy should be made on this side of the thorax
Left
This is the most common cause of esophageal perforation
Iatrogenic
Loss of tactile sense on the palate places older folks at risk of swallowing these
Dentures
This finding is present on 77% of CXR’s in esophageal perforation
Pneumothorax
If an esophageal perforation is discovered within 24 hours, the best treatment is this
Primary closure
The esophagus runs along with this nerve in the tracheoesophageal groove
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
55%
This physical sign is almost always present in esophageal rupture
If initial gastrografin esophagogram is negative for perforation, this test may be ordered
Barium esophagogram
Unresectable esophageal cancers may be managed with these
Stents
Posterior to the esophagus within the thorax lies this structure, also known as Van Hoorne's canal
Thoracic duct
Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus may be due to this syndrome, named after a Dutch physician and botanist
Boerhaave's syndrome
Rupture of the esophagus into the left chest may result in this
Left pleural effusion
It may be helpful to place your patient in this position while obtaining your esophagogram
Decubitus
Consider this option if the patient demonstrates uncontrolled sepsis or has primary esophageal disease
Esophagectomy
This is the narrowest point of the esophagus
Cricopharyngeal sphincter
Iatrogenic esophageal perforation may be caused by this "hearty" diagnostic procedure
Trans-esophageal echocardiography
A mediastinal “crunch” with each heartbeat is known as this sign
Hamman’s sign
This is the most common side where pneumothorax is found in esophageal perforation
Left
When attempting to preserve the esophagus in a very sick patient, you can try using one of these
T-tube
Name these vertebral levels that mark the superior and inferior extent of the esophagus
C6
L1
If your patient presents with mediastinitis and a WBC of 50k after a recent hospitalization during which he spent time on the ventilator, he may be suffered esophageal perforation due to this
Endotracheal intubation
Boerhaave’s syndrome is marked by chest pain, vomiting, and subcutaneous emphysema, known as this triad
Mackler’s triad
In suspected cervical esophageal perforation (which carry the best outcome of all areas of esophageal perforation), X-rays in this orientation are recommended
Lateral
These criteria (contained perforation, no signs of sepsis, mild fever/leukocytosis, mild pain, self-emptying) dictate if an iatrogenic perforation may be management non-operatively
Cameron Criteria