Spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer: a report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous esophageal rupture, also called Boerhaave’s syndrome, is relatively uncommon but may result in high morbidity and mortality. Synchronous presentation of spontaneous esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer was rare and may contribute to the difficulty of achieving a correct diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported two patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture following perforated peptic ulcer. Both patients were successfully treated with thoracoscopic primary repair of esophageal rupture. The first patient underwent peptic ulcer repair via laparotomy. The second patient underwent laparoscopic duodenorrhaphy. Both patients resumed oral intake smoothly and were discharged uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive approaches are safe and feasible for both esophageal rupture and perforated peptic ulcer in patients diagnosed within 24 h and without shock.