title: [Benign esophageal perforations treated at a department of thoracic surgery].
abstract: Between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1994, 37 patients with benign oesophageal perforation underwent different kinds of treatment. The overall mortality was 30%. When diagnosed less than 12 hours after the perforation the mortality was 21%, between 12 and 24 hours. Reinforced primary repair gave the best results without any deaths in seven cases where it was performed. Oesophageal perforation is a serious condition, and it is important to know the symptoms. If there is any suspicion of the condition, an oesophageal X-ray with watersoluble contrast medium should be performed on liberal indication. When diagnosed the patient should be transferred to a Department of Thoracic Surgery immediately. Only few patients can be treated conservatively and most should be operated with reinforced primary suture and drainage.
authors.affiliation: Hjerte, lunge-, karkirurgisk afdeling T. Skejby Sygehus, Arhus.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thomsen
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Ilkjaer
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bille
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004939:Esophageal Perforation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies
vernacular_title: Benigne esophagusperforationer behandlet på en thoraxkirurgisk afdeling.