SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL-PERFORAT ION

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.