Laparoscopic Repair of Spontaneous Esophageal Perforation After Multiple Endoscopic Failures

Spontaneous esophageal perforation (SEP) (Boerhaave syndrome) carries high morbidity and mortality. Delay in diagnosis, because of the non-specific complaints and the rarity of the condition, further increases the mortality. While patients diagnosed early can be managed by primary closure of esophageal perforation, those presenting beyond 24 hours often require an esophagectomy with salivary diversion and feeding access with a plan for the reconstruction of the alimentary tract at a later date. In a minority of patients with a controlled esophageal fistula and feeding access, source control could be achieved by endotherapy. Patients with mediastinitis and associated systemic sepsis would be better served by surgical intervention. We present a case of an SEP with a delayed diagnosis, who underwent three unsuccessful endotherapy attempts and decortication before referral for surgical repair. The patient had an established esophageal fistula. He underwent a laparoscopic repair of the fistula. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. At the one-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and had gained weight. Though surgery is the treatment of choice, the optimal management of SEP with delayed diagnosis is not clearly defined. In the current era of advanced endotherapy, more cases are being managed endoscopically. However, they carry a high failure rate, resulting in increased morbidity among the patients. Early involvement of a surgical team in the decision-making is crucial for optimal outcomes of the disease.