Photodynamic therapy is an effective palliative treatment of esophageal cancer. Minor
complications associated with this therapy include pleural effusions, fever or esophageal
strictures. In addition to this major complications such as respiratory-esophageal
fistula and bronchus perforation have been described. We report here our experience
with a patient who developed a complete esophageal necrosis and perforation of the
left main bronchus following photodynamic therapy. The surgical and intensive care
management of the patient is described and the literature discussed.
Photodynamic therapy - Esophageal cancer therapy - Bronchus perforation
