Anesthetic considerations for esophageal perforation.

To the anesthesia practitioner, the esophagus is the source of one of the most feared complications of anesthesia-gastric aspiration. However, this muscular conduit is also one of the anesthetist's most useful monitors of heartbeat, respirations and temperature via specialized probes. The esophagus is often taken for granted until a pathological process compromises its function. Esophageal perforation is perhaps the most serious pathophysiologic condition that can occur, and is one that requires immediate surgical intervention. This condition presents a serious challenge to the anesthetist.