Tension Pneumoperitoneum Following Instrumental Perforation of an Obstructed Esophagus in an Infant

A 4-month-old infant was diagnosed with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. He was admitted to our hospital because of progressive poor findings and repeated aspiration pneumonia after surgical repair. An esophagogram demonstrated severe esophageal stricture. Flexible endoscopic dilatation was performed under general anesthesia, but sudden onset respiratory distress and progressive abdominal distention were noted during the procedure. Abdominal radiographic study revealed severe pneumoperitoneum. Tension pneumoperitoneum after perforation of the obstructed esophagus is extremely rare but life threatening. We herein report our experience with the successful management of this complication in an infant.