Neonatal and pediatric esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforation (EP) is a rare complication that is often iatrogenic in origin. In contrast with adult patients in whom surgical closure of the defect is preferred, nonoperative treatment has become a common therapeutic approach for EP in neonates and children. Principles of management pediatric EP includes rapid diagnosis, appropriate hemodynamic monitoring and support, antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition, control of extraluminal contamination, and restoration of luminal integrity either through time or operative approaches.