True about oesophageal perforation

Diagnosis of an oesophagal perforation may be made radiographically. A chest roentgenogram may demonstrate a hydropneumothorax. Contrast esophagography is performed using barium for a suspected thoracic perforation and Gastrografin for an abdominal perforation. In few cases, barium swallow may cause peritonitis in oesophageal perforation Most oesophagal perforations occur after endoscopic instrumentation for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Surgery is not indicated for every patient with a perforation of the oesophagus. The so-called golden period for primary closure of an oesophagal perforation is within the first 24 hours. Sabiston 20th edition pg: 1053