Abstract

Penetrating injury of the cervical esophagus cannot be easily identified by physical examination due to its deep anatomical location , so many patients with penetrating neck injuries should be undergone esophagography or esophagoscopy for the evaluation of potential esophageal injuries. However, these diagnostic procedures are invasive, time-consuming, expensive, and, most importantly limited by availability of resources (diagnostic equipment and manpower). We experienced a patient with a penetrating esophageal injury who was promptly diagnosed by using methylene blue. A 32-year-old male visited the emergency room complaining of dyspnea and bleeding after a penetrating neck injury.Thrty (30) minutes after the patient had swallowed the methylene blue solution, we found leakage of blue-colored fluid through the stab wound. He underwent emergent surgical repair without further investigations for esophageal injury.

• Keywords: Penetrating esophageal injury, Methylene blue