Spontaneous and iatrogenic esophageal perforations continue to present
life threatening gastroenterologic emergencies. The results in 17 pat
ients beeing treated between 1986 and 1992 are presented. In respect t
o localisation of the perforation, the underlying nature of the diseas
e and the condition of the patient an early suture and wrap in all pat
ients with benign diseases and an early esophagectomy in patients with
esophageal cancer was aspired. 11 patients having been treated this w
ay survived whereas 3 of six patients with extensive tumour burden and
reduced physical state who had been treated conservatively died durin
g the hostpital stay. Thus early diagnosis and operative treatment of
esophageal perforations improves patients outcome significantly.