Treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.

A series of 10 patients with spontaneous rupture of the esophagus is analysed. Early primary closure of the tear and good drainage of the mediastinum and pleural cavity give the best results in such cases. Correct diagnosis is difficult and is often missed in the acute phase. The time lapse between the rupture and diagnosis nevertheless seems to be the most important single factor in the outlook for treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.