Abstract:

Objective To explore and summarize the experience of surgical treatment of spontaneous rupture of esophagus. Methods The data of 21 cases of spontaneous rupture of esophagus from January 1993 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed, including etiologies, symptoms, time interval between onset and treatment, treatment methods, prognosis, hospital stays, etc. Results There were 17 male patients and 4 female patients. Their age was between 32 and 82 years old (average 43 years old). There were 9 (42.8%), 6 (28.6%), and 6 (28.6%) cases whose time intervals between onset and treat were <24 h, <48 h, and >72 h, respectively. All patients underwent surgical treatment. The primary healing rates were 88.9% (<24 h), 66.7% (<48 h), and 0 (>72 h). All patients were discharged with recovery. The average hospital stays were 18.1 d (<24 h), 27.8 d (<48 h), and 51.2 d (>72 h). Conclusion Surgery was the best way to treat spontaneous rupture of esophagus. The less the time interval between onset and treatment would be with the better the prognosis. The time interval is no longer a judgment standard of surgery. The surgery is indicated if a clear diagnosis can be made.

Key words: esophagus, rupture, treatment, operation