[The diagnosis and therapy of esophageal perforation or rupture in infancy and childhood].

Oesophageal perforation or rupture is rare in childhood; recently there has been an increase, mostly due to the more frequent use of endoscopy in neonates. The prognosis depends largely on early diagnosis and the type of treatment. The author has seen eight children, aged between one day and nine years, with oesophageal lesions. Of these, six had a perforation and two a rupture of the oesophagus. The problems of diagnosis and treatment and their complications are discussed with reference to these patients. Stress is laid on the importance of early diagnosis. In children, contrary to the case in adults, conservative treatment is often possible.