Treatment of spontaneous esophageal rupture with a covered self-expanding metal stent.

Spontaneous esophageal rupture is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Surgical treatment usually is required, but conservative treatment can be pursued in selected cases.1,2 Covered self-expanding metal stents have proven useful in palliating malignant esophageal perforations and fistulas, but such implants seldom have been used in cases of benign esophageal rupture.3-5 We operated on a 56-year-old man with spontaneous esophageal rupture; when his general condition deteriorated after surgery, a covered self-expanding metal stent was placed to seal the persistent esophageal leak. After the procedure the patient’s vital signs stabilized, and the stent was removed safely by endoscopy 28 days later. Stent placement may be indicated in other similar cases.