An operative case of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus 10 days after the onset

: This paper presents a rare case of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus operated on 10 days subsequent to its onset. A 69-year-old male, who was diagnosed as acute pancreatitis, came to this department after 10 days of conservative therapy. Emergency examination including computed tomography, esophagoscopy and esophagography indicated spontaneous rupture of the esophagus. At operation, despite severe inflammation of the pleural cavity, a 2 cm horizontal tear at the left wall of the lower esophagus could be directly closed, and reinforced with fibrin glue. Postoperative decompression therapy prevented the rupture of the closure. The early symptoms resemble other emergency diseases, thus making correct diagnosis difficult. Early management is required for lifesaving, and preoperative aggressive exploration must thus be conducted. Postoperative management including through decompression of the gastrointestinal tract is also essential, regardless of the mode of operation.