Figure 5 - Intraoperative view of an esophageal perforation.

The blue bougie has perforated the esophagus. Perforations are immediately repaired and followed closely postoperatively. A postoperative barium swallow may be necessary to exclude a leak. There is also usually a period in which the patient remains NPO (nothing by mouth) to allow the perforation to heal. (Source: Courtesy of John Hunter, M.D.)