Cyanoacrylate injection treatment for postoperative leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE: Surgical treatment remains the most effective option for treating Boerhaave's syndrome. However, in cases of postoperative anastomotic leakage of Boerhaave's syndrome, endoscopic interventions such as over-the-scope clip, stenting, or cyanoacrylate injection have emerged over reoperation. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain after alcohol consumption. Laparoscopic surgery was performed for primary closure of a laceration at the lower esophagus, and for the closure of a Boerhaave's syndrome, which was detected by abdominal computed tomography. However, postoperative anastomotic leakage was confirmed through esophagography after the operation. In our case, endoscopic treatment with an over-the-scope clip and stenting were not effective for the repair of the anastomotic leakage, but cyanoacrylate injection successfully healed the anastomotic leakage. DIAGNOSES: Boerhaave's syndrome was initially detected by abdominal computed tomography, but postoperative anastomotic leakage after the operation was confirmed with esophagography. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 2.0 cc of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and lipiodol mixture (at 1:1) was injected into the leakage tract through the perforation entrance. OUTCOMES: Complete healing of the anastomotic leakage was confirmed with a follow-up esophagoscopy. LESSONS: N-butyl-2-cyanocrylate injection treatment can be used as a rescue option for postoperative leakage when over-the-scope clips and stenting fail for this indication.