A 54-year-old woman experiences pain in both the anterior and posterior left chest and the epigastrium following balloon dilatation performed for achalasia. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning this patient’s diagnosis and management?
A. A normal chest x-ray will rule out an esophageal perforation
B. Barium should never be used in performance of a contrast study with a diagnosis of esophageal perforation
C. Conservative, nonoperative treatment may be indicated
D. If surgical repair is necessary, the patient should undergo esophagomyotomy and a partial gastric fundoplication
Answer:C
A 54-year-old woman experiences pain in both the anterior and posterior left chest and the epigastrium following balloon dilatation performed for achalasia. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning this patient’s diagnosis and management?
A. A normal chest x-ray will rule out an esophageal perforation B. Barium should never be used in performance of a contrast study with a diagnosis of esophageal perforation C. Conservative, nonoperative treatment may be indicated D. If surgical repair is necessary, the patient should undergo esophagomyotomy and a partial gastric fundoplication