title: Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus after coronary artery bypass.
abstract: Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a very rare but the most lethal perforation of the gastro-intestinal tract. A 62-year old male was successfully treated for this condition developing on the second post-operative day after coronary artery bypass. Two hours after extubation respiratory insufficiency and circulatory collapse necessitated reintubation and energetic resuscitation with prompt drainage of a massive pleural effusion. Left thoracotomy on post-operative day 17 confirmed the diagnosis and the esophagus was excluded by cervical esophagostomy and duodenostomy. After a six week recovery, reconstruction was achieved by total esophagectomy through a right thoracic incision and gastric bypass with cervical gastro-esophageal anastomosis. The patient left the hospital in good condition 112 days after the initial operation.
mesh_terms: D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013577:Syndrome