Spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnosis, management and outcome of patients with spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus in a single centre.


METHODS
Between October 1993 and May 2007, 51 consecutive patients with spontaneous oesophageal rupture were evaluated with contrast radiology and flexible endoscopy. Patients with limited contamination who fulfilled specific criteria were managed by a non-operative approach, whereas the remainder underwent thoracotomy.


RESULTS
The median time to diagnosis was 24 (range 4-604) h. Initial diagnosis was by contrast swallow in 18 of 24 patients, computed tomography in 15 of 17 and endoscopy in 18 of 18. There were no deaths among 17 patients who were managed non-operatively with targeted drainage, intravenous antimicrobials, nasogastric decompression and enteral nutrition. Of 31 patients who underwent primary thoracotomy and oesophageal repair (over a Ttube in 29), 11 died in hospital. Three patients could not be resuscitated adequately and did not have surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Spontaneous oesophageal rupture represents a spectrum of disease. Accurate radiological and endoscopic evaluation can identify those suitable for radical non-operative treatment and those who require thoracotomy.
Griffin
S M
SM
Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Northern Oesophago-gastric Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. michael.griffin@nuth.nhs.uk
Lamb
P J
PJ
Shenfine
J
J
Richardson
D L
DL
Karat
D
D
Hayes
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004322:Drainage; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media