[Endoscopic vacuum therapy in minimally invasive treatment of esophageal perforations]. / Effektivnost' endoskopicheskoi vakuumnoi terapii v kompleksnom minimal'no invazivnom lechenii perforatsii pishchevoda.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) and open surgery for esophageal perforations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 60 patients with esophageal perforations between 2010 and 2022. The main group included 29 patients who underwent minimally invasive treatment with EVT, the control group - 31 patients after open surgical interventions. RESULTS: Pneumonia occurred in 21 (72%) and 14 (45%) patients (p=0.04), esophageal stenosis within the perforation zone - in 4 (13.8%) and 1 (3.2%) patient, respectively (p=0.188). Chronic esophageal fistulas were significantly more common in the control group (6 (20.7%) versus 15 (48.4%) patients, p=0.032). The overall duration of treatment (median) among survivors was significantly shorter in the main group: 33 (23; 48) versus 71.5 (59; 93.7) days (p=0.5). However, length of ICU-stay was slightly higher (11 (6; 16) versus 8.5 (5; 12.75) days, p=0.32). Mortality rate was 13.8% (n=4) and 29% (n=9), respectively (p=0.213). Minimally invasive technologies decreased the risk of fatal outcome by 10 times (OR 10.123, 95% CI 1.491-124.97, p=0.035) compared to traditional surgery. CONCLUSION: EVT in complex minimally invasive treatment of patients with mechanical esophageal injuries is an effective method significantly reducing mortality and duration of inpatient treatment compared to traditional surgical approach.

Esophageal perforation etiology, outcome, and the role of surgical management - an 18-year experience of surgical cases in a referral center.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Its poor prognosis is mainly associated with previous patient-specific comorbidities and a lack of timely diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the etiological factors and different surgical methods of treatment with consideration of mortality rate and comorbidities. METHOD: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent surgical intervention due to esophageal injury from 2002 to 2019 (18 years). Demographic and clinical characteristics along with performed surgical interventions were evaluated accordingly. RESULTS: In this study, 69 patients with a mean age of 38.8 years were evaluated, of which 45 (65.2%) cases were men. In terms of location of the perforation, the thoracic portion of the esophagus followed by the cervical and abdominal esophagus were more frequently injured with a rate of 32 (46.4%), 30 (43.5%), and 19 (27.5%) cases, respectively. Accordingly, foreign body ingestion followed by penetrating injuries were the most common causative agents leading to esophageal perforation. CONCLUSION: Obtaining the desired results from the treatment of this condition depends on factors such as patients' previous comorbidities, cause of the rupture, the location of the esophageal damage, and delay in the start of treatment. Since there is no single gold standard treatment strategy, each patient should be individually evaluated.

[Post-intubation rupture of thoracic trachea in a patient with iatrogenic esophageal perforation and mediastinitis]. / Postintubatsionnyi razryv grudnogo otdela trakhei u bol'noi s perforatsiei pishchevoda pri fibroendoskopii i mediastinitom.

Iatrogenic injuries of the esophagus and trachea are rare. However, these are life-threatening events due to severe complications. The authors report iatrogenic perforation of cervical esophagus with a long false passage in posterior mediastinum in an 83-year-old patient undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocholithiasis. Post-intubation rupture of thoracic trachea was diagnosed early after suturing the defect of esophagus and drainage of mediastinum. Treatment strategy was analyzed and conservative management of tracheal injury was substantiated.

Current status of surgical treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is usually required for Boerhaave's syndrome (post-emetic esophageal perforation), and the technique should be chosen based on the local infection status and patient's general condition. This study was performed to examine the current status of surgical treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome in Japan. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with Boerhaave's syndrome who underwent surgical treatment from January 2010 to December 2015, obtained from a national survey were retrospectively analyzed. The details of each surgical treatment and the type of treatment performed according to the patients' characteristics were examined. RESULTS: Primary closure was performed in 75 (78.9%) patients, T-tube insertion in 15 (15.8%), and esophagectomy in 5 (5.3%). The length of the postoperative stay was significantly shorter in patients who underwent primary closure (p = 0.0011). Esophagectomy tended to be performed more often in patients with a long perforation and was performed significantly more often in patients with a high C-reactive protein concentration (p = 0.0118). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with leakage of the primary closure site (p < 0.0001). As a result, leakage of the primary closure site was significantly correlated with a long duration from symptom onset to patient presentation (p = 0.042), diagnostic imaging of the intrathoracic perforation (p = 0.013), and abscess formation in the mediastinal cavity (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Selection of an appropriate surgical procedure may contribute to reduced mortality rates in patients with esophageal rupture. With regard to primary closure, it is necessary to understand that leaks are likely to occur in patients with a long duration from symptom onset to presentation or with severe intrathoracic/mediastinal inflammation, and to select an appropriate surgical procedure in consideration of the degree of invasiveness and QOL.

[Laparoscopic transchiatal access in Boerhaave syndrome]. / Laparoskopicheskii transkhiatal'nyi dostup pri sindrome Burkhave.

Diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) followed by purulent mediastinitis and pleural empyema has now been greatly simplified due to CT. The main thing is to suspect this syndrome in a timely manner. Methods of surgical treatment of this disease are still being discussed. We present successful laparoscopic treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus.

Early diagnosis is associated with improved clinical outcomes in benign esophageal perforation: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave's syndrome (BS). METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 patients with IEP and 384 with BS. In IEP, early TOD was not associated with overall mortality (8% vs. 13%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.8-5.1), but was associated with a 23% decrease in ICU admissions (46% vs. 69%, OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.2), a 22% decrease in re-interventions (23% vs. 45%, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.7) and a 36% decrease in length of hospital stay (14 vs. 22 days, p < 0.001), compared with late TOD. In BS, no associations between TOD and outcomes were found. When combining IEP and BS, early TOD was associated with a 6% decrease in overall mortality (10% vs. 16%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.9), a 19% decrease in re-interventions (26% vs. 45%, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2) and a 35% decrease in mean length of hospital stay (16 vs. 22 days, p = 0.001), compared with late TOD. CONCLUSIONS: This individual patient data meta-analysis confirms the general opinion that an early (≤ 24 h) compared to a late diagnosis (> 24 h) in benign esophageal perforations, particularly in IEP, is associated with improved clinical outcome.

Temporary percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy with single gastropexy.

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of percutaneous radiologic gastrojejunostomy (PRGJ) has been reported, a detailed description of the indications and clinical effectiveness of temporary PRGJ is still limited. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and technical feasibility of temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with single gastropexy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with single gastropexy was performed in 27 consecutive patients (19 men, 8 women; mean age = 61 years; age range = 32-77 years) for esophageal perforation (n = 18) or postoperative gastroparesis (n = 9). Outcomes analyzed included the technical and clinical success, procedure-related complications, and the tube indwelling period. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 27 patients. All the tubes were electively removed 19-364 days (mean indwelling period = 104 days) after confirmation of the possibility of oral intake. Asymptomatic pneumoperitoneum occurred in 2/27 (7.4%) patients as minor complications and was resolved spontaneously by the time of the one-week follow-up. There were no major complications. During the follow-up period, a total of 11 tube changes were performed in seven patients for an elective tube change within a six-month interval (n = 5) or because of tube occlusion (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Temporary PRGJ using the modified Chiba-needle technique with a single gastropexy was clinically effective and technically feasible in patients with esophageal perforation or gastroparesis. It can provide adequate enteral nutrition during its temporary placement.

Non-operative management of bilateral contained thoracic esophageal perforation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Despite profound advances in conservative management of esophageal perforation, patients' selection for this type of treatment requires expert clinical judgment. Surgical intervention has been historically introduced as the optimal management in multifocal ruptures. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we presented a 30-year-old man whose barium esophagogram confirmed bilateral perforations in the lower third of the esophagus contained in the mediastinum, and contrast drained back into the esophageal lumen. Concerning available contrast imaging studies and thoracic surgeons, conservative non-operative management was considered despite pneumomediastinum, a mild right-sided pleural effusion, and minimal leukocytosis. The patient was followed up for two months without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral and multifocal esophageal perforations can be managed conservatively provided that the leaks are confined to the mediastinum and drain back to the esophageal lumen, and other criteria for conservative management are met.

Suspecting a fatal condition on a plain chest radiograph; Boerhaave syndrome.

Spontaneous oesophagus rupture, also known as Boerhaave syndrome, is a rare but near-fatal medical condition and despite recent medical advancements, it remains a diagnostic challenge for front-door clinicians. The authors describe a similar presentation in an elderly gentleman who presented to the emergency department with sudden chest pain post vomiting. His initial chest radiograph showed bilateral dense consolidations and pleural effusions, and was treated as sepsis secondary to bilateral pneumonia. He underwent computed tomography pulmonary angiogram to rule out pulmonary embolism because of his chest pain with elevated D-dimer which confirmed the diagnosis of oesophagus rupture. His care was transferred to Surgical and Intensive care colleagues with plans for radiological chest drain insertion to limit contamination of mediastinum, however the patient became hypoxic and hypotensive and despite maximal organ support passed away within 6 hours of admission. Retrospect review of chest radiograph revealed Peri-oesophageal air tracking, a sign of Boerhaave syndrome. The aim of this case is to emphasise the importance of raising the suspicion of Boerhaave syndrome in patients with sudden chest pain, unexplained pleural effusion or pneumothorax with a history of recent vomiting as early diagnosis holds the key to prompt lifesaving management.

Clinical features of idiopathic esophageal perforation compared with typical post-emetic type: a newly proposed subtype in Boerhaave's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: n our previous nationwide survey report on esophageal perforation, we proposed the existence of cases with idiopathic esophageal perforation at a certain rate. AIMS: To elucidate the clinical characteristics of idiopathic esophageal perforation, we performed a comparative analysis between cases with idiopathic type and post-emetic type esophageal perforation. METHODS: This study enrolled 139 patients with esophageal perforation (post-emetic type: idiopathic type = 115:24) as the subjects of nationwide survey on esophageal perforation. We conducted detailed studies on chief complaints, inflammatory responses, initial diagnosis, location and situation of the perforation site, time to therapeutic intervention, and prognosis between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with post-emetic type, cases of idiopathic type tended to exhibit rear-side perforation (p = 0.052) and significantly less presented chest pain (p = 0.002). Consequently, cases of idiopathic type significantly missed to diagnose as esophageal perforation compared with post-emetic type (p = 0.042). With regard to inflammatory response, cases of post-emetic type experienced hyperthermia compared with idiopathic type (p = 0.033). On the other hand, cases of idiopathic type exhibited significantly higher level of C-reactive protein than post-emetic type (p = 0.004). In addition, it took longer time until starting treatment in the cases of idiopathic type (p < 0.0001) and the cases of idiopathic type showed significantly worse prognosis than the cases of post-emetic type (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study first focused on the characteristics of idiopathic esophageal perforation that have been included in so-called Boerhaave's syndrome. The pathophysiology of the idiopathic type should be separately understood from post-emetic type, because the diagnostic and prognostic features largely differ.

MANAGEMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL PERFORATION: A CASE REPORT.

Esophageal perforation (EP) is a devastating condition. In modern times it is still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. 62-year-old male patient came to Surgical Department of the First University Clinic of Tbilisi State Medical University on 17.10.2018 15:00. The patient complained of pain in the chest cavity, especially after eating, shortness of breath, fever, chills, weakness. The patient felt pain in the chest cavity after eating 4 days before hospitalization. CT scan revealed pneumomediastinum, extravasation of contrast medium at the level of the 8th thoracic vertebra. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a defect in the esophagus at the level of 32 cm from the incisors. Dimensions of defect were 2.0 - 3.0 cm. An urgent operation was performed. Left-sided posterolateral thoracotomy, mediastinotomy, suturing of the defect, buttressing of the sutures with the mediastinal pleura, washing and drainage of the mediastinum and left pleural cavity were performed. A Witzel gastrostomy was performed. After the operation, the patient's treatment continued in the intensive care unit. Since leakage was noted, it was decided to place an esophageal stent in the area of the defect. Stenting was performed on 05.11.2018. A complication in the form of bleeding was noted on 01.12.2018. Bleeding was controlled conservatively. Finally, stent was removed and the patient was discharged from the clinic in good condition on 07.12.2018. New interventional endoscopic techniques, including endoscopic clips, covered metal stents, and endoluminal vacuum therapy, have been developed over the last several years to manage esophageal perforation. Surgery should be undertaken in all patients who do not meet non-operative management criteria. Buttressing the esophageal repair with surrounding viable tissue has been recommended to decrease the risk of leakage. If direct repair of thoracic EP is not feasible esophageal exclusion, diversion, or resection should be performed. Repair over a large size T-tube can be used to create a controlled esophago-cutaneous fistula and minimize mediastinal and pleural contamination. Thus, esophageal perforation continues to present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge despite decades of clinical experience and innovation in surgical technique.

Pathophysiology of Vomiting and Esophageal Perforation in Boerhaave's Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Boerhaave's syndrome, involving esophagus rupture, is considered a pathological response to vomiting that may occur just before perforation. However, the mechanism of vomiting and occurrence of this disease have not been clearly demonstrated. METHODS: We identified patients with esophageal perforation between 1995 and 2017 and reviewed endoscopic findings at retching during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Finally, we proposed a theory for the underlying pathological mechanism. RESULTS: We retrospectively investigated 10 patients with esophageal perforation between 1995 and 2017. All patients presented after vomiting associated with large volumes of food and alcohol intake. Nine were treated by primary closure of the perforation and drainage of the thoracic cavity, and one was conservatively treated. In all cases, the perforations were longitudinal tears (1-4 cm) and located in the left of the esophagus, just above the gastric cardia. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that vomiting occurred by retrograde propagation of gastrointestinal motor contraction from the jejunum to the gastric antrum, followed by prolapse of the gastric fornix mucosal into the esophagus. Subsequent esophageal perforation probably resulted from excessive prolapse due to strong contraction and destruction of the muscularis mucosa of the left side of abdominal esophagus, with longitudinal stretching of the whole left esophageal wall due to traction. We also propose that Boerhaave's syndrome is defined as "post-emetic esophageal perforation" to ensure broader recognition and more expedient diagnosis and treatment. Remaining conditions without any definite causes may be labeled "idiopathic" or "spontaneous" rupture of the esophagus.

Juvenile dermatomyositis resembling late-stage Degos disease with gastrointestinal perforations successfully treated with combination of cyclophosphamide and rituximab: case-based review.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a multi-system disease that results in chronic inflammation principally of the skin and striated muscle. Small blood vessel injury in the GI tract has been described in dermatomyositis, manifesting as bleeding, ulceration, pneumatosis intestinalis, and ultimately perforation. Recent histopathological studies have shown deposits in the capillaries of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and brain of patients with dermatomyositis similar to that found in patients with Degos disease, suggesting these disease processes are closely related or represent varying degrees of severity on the same pathologic spectrum. We report a case of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) resembling late-stage Degos disease with gastrointestinal perforations successfully treated with combination rituximab and cyclophosphamide therapy. We systematically reviewed the literature detailing the medical and surgical treatments for gastrointestinal perforation in dermatomyositis, Degos-like dermatomyositis, and Degos disease. In addition to our case, as of October 2019, we identified 36 cases describing gastrointestinal perforation in patients with underlying dermatomyositis, 5 cases of Degos-like dermatomyositis and 17 cases of idiopathic Degos disease. Corticosteroid therapy was used widely for dermatomyositis and Degos-like dermatomyositis, while antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications were chiefly used for patients with idiopathic Degos disease. However, there were no cases that detailed the successful treatment of dermatomyositis or Degos disease with gastrointestinal perforation with rituximab alone or combined with cyclophosphamide. We report that rituximab, in combination with cyclophosphamide, can be used as a novel adjunctive therapy to successfully treat dermatomyositis with Degos-like gastrointestinal perforation.

Experience with Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Esophageal Leakage in Children.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of experience with fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for the treatment of esophageal leakage particularly in infants and neonates. METHODS: Eight patients (5M, 3F) with a median age of 17 months (range, 1-135 months) who underwent treatment with SEMSs for an anastomotic leakage or perforation of the esophagus were recruited to this retrospective study. Four children were born premature. In six patients the stents were placed primarily as an emergency procedure. RESULTS: Median duration of individual stent placement was 42 days (range, 13-72 days). Six out of eight patients (75%) were treated with one stent only. In three preterm infants who had their stents inserted within the first month relative weight gain was 17% compared with 2% in five patients who were treated later in life (p=0.0986). In four cases (50%) distal migration of the stent was observed. Seven out of eight patients (88%) had their leakage resolved after stent therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of fully covered SEMSs is an alternative tool for the treatment of esophageal leakage in children and preterm infants, and successful with only one single application in selected cases. It can be used either following previous therapy or as part of an emergency procedure. Because of the absence of manufactured, age-related devices SEMSs that are originally designed for other organs can be applied.

Cervical esophageal perforation caused by the use of bougie during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is considered a chronic disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide during the last decades. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed bariatric procedure, due to its relative safety and long-term efficacy. The use of bougie to ensure correct size of the gastric tube is part of the standard operation, usually placed by the anesthesiologist and with a very low rate of complications. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a cervical esophageal perforation caused by the use of bougie during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: The complication occurred in a previously healthy 42-year old female patient who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for class 1 obesity (BMI 31 kg/m2) and was diagnosed the first post-operative day. She was subsequently treated with an emergency thoracoscopy and evacuation of a mediastinal fluid collection, with additional neck incision for primary closure of the esophageal defect which was reinforced with a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. The post-operative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: We made a literature review to better understand the options considering the diagnosis and treatment in case of very proximal iatrogenic esophageal perforations. The risks related to the use of bougie during surgery should not be underestimated, and its insertion must be done with extreme caution. Esophageal perforation is still a challenging, life threatening complication where prompt diagnosis and adequate treatment are essential.

A national survey on esophageal perforation: study of cases at accredited institutions by the Japanese Esophagus Society.

OBJECTIVE: To get a clear view of the current state of treatment for esophageal perforation in Japan. Esophagus perforations are the most serious gastrointestinal tract perforations and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The optimal treatment choice remains unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective clinical review of 182 esophageal perforation cases at 108 hospitals accredited by the Japanese Esophageal Society between January 2010 and December 2015. RESULTS: We found that 20.9% of patients were incorrectly diagnosed initially. We observed mediastinum emphysema in 83.5% of patients, and serious abscess formations of the mediastinum and intrathoracic cavity in 38.6% and 29.6%, respectively. The lower esophagus was the most commonly perforated site (77.7%). Management of esophageal perforations included nonoperative treatment in 20 patients (11%) and operative treatment in 162 patients (89%). The overall mortality rate was 6.9%. The survivors had significantly shorter times from symptom appearance to visit (p = 0.0016), and from time to visit to diagnosis confirmation (p = 0.0011). Moreover, patients older than 65 years, white blood cells less than 3000/mm3, C-reactive protein > 10 mg/L, or abscesses in the thoracic cavity showed significantly higher mortality than others. CONCLUSION: Shortening the time from onset to the start of treatment contributes to reduce mortality in patients with esophageal perforation. Moreover, strict medical treatment is necessary to lower the mortality rate of elderly patients with strong inflammation and abscesses in the thoracic cavity.

[Surgical treatment of a patient with traumatic rupture of the aortic arch and late oesophageal perforation]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie bol'nogo s travmaticheskim razryvom dugi aorty i pozdnei perforatsiei pishchevoda.

Described herein is a clinical case report regarding a patient presenting with traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus with the development of a pseudoaneurysm occupying virtually the entire posterior mediastinum and measuring 20?10 cm in size. He was immediately treated as an emergency to undergo prosthetic reconstruction of the portion of the aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta by means of temporary bypass grafting with a synthetic graft in order to protect the visceral organs. The postoperative period was complicated by oesophageal perforation with the formation of an oesophago-paraprosthetic fistula, infection of the vascular graft, accompanied by the development of pleural empyema and mediastinitis. A second operative procedure was performed, consisting of subclavian-iliac bypass grafting on the right with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft measuring 20 mm in diameter, exclusion of the intrathoracic portion of the oesophagus, creation of a gastro- and oesophagostoma, retrieval of the vascular graft followed by suturing of the aorta, pleurectomy, decortication of the lung, and removal of the empyemic sac on the left. There was no evidence of ischaemia of the spinal cord or visceral arteries. One month postoperatively, he underwent a traumatological stage and 4 months thereafter plasty of the oesophagus with an isoperistaltic gastric pedicle, extirpation of the thoracic portion of the oesophagus, to be later on followed by closure of the oesophagostoma. The patient experienced no difficulties either while walking or during other physical activities, with the ankle-brachial index amounting to 0.9. With time, he developed difficult-to-correct pulmonary hypertension. Unfortunately, the patient eventually died of acute cardiopulmonary insufficiency 9 years after right-sided extra-anatomical subclavian-iliac bypass grafting.

[Minimally invasive treatment of post-burn esophageal perforation]. / Miniinvazivnoe lechenie posleozhogovoi perforatsii pishchevoda.

Perforation of the esophagus is a serious and dangerous condition due to progressive development of mediastinitis and sepsis. This disease is often fatal. In the last decade, endoscopic stenting of the esophagus became more common in these patients as an alternative to traditional surgery. We report successful minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of esophageal perforation with post-burn necrosis of its wall.

Minimally invasive surgical management of spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome).

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous esophageal perforation (Boerhaave's syndrome) is a highly morbid condition traditionally associated with poor outcomes. The Pittsburgh perforation severity score (PSS) accurately predicts risk of morbidity, length of stay (LOS) and mortality. Operative management is indicated among patients with medium (3-5) or high (> 5) PSS; however, the role of minimally invasive surgery remains uncertain. METHODS: Consecutive patients presenting with Boerhaave's syndrome with intermediate or high PSS managed via a thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach from 2012 to 2018 were reviewed. Demographics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients (80% male) with a mean age of 61.3 years (range 37-81) were included. Two patients had intermediate and eight had high PSS (7.9 ± 2.8, range 4-12). The mean time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 27 ± 12 h and APACHE II score was 13.6 ± 4.9. Thoracoscopic debridement and primary repair was performed in eight cases, with two perforations repaired primarily over a T-tube. Laparoscopic feeding jejunostomy was performed in all patients. Critical care LOS was 8.7 ± 6.8 days (range 3-26), while inpatient LOS was 23.1 ± 12.5 days (range 14-46). Mean comprehensive complications index was 42.1 ± 26.2, with grade IIIa and IV morbidity in 60% and 10%, respectively. One patient developed dehiscence at the primary repair, which was managed non-operatively. In-hospital and 90-day mortality was 10%. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgical management of spontaneous esophageal perforation with medium to high perforation severity scores is feasible and safe, with outcomes which compare favorably to the published literature.

Time to perforation for button batteries lodged in the esophagus.

INTRODUCTION: New strategies recently proposed to mitigate injury caused by lithium coin cell batteries lodged in the esophagus include prehospital administration of honey to coat the battery and prevent local hydroxide generation and in-hospital administration of sucralfate suspension (or honey). This study was undertaken to define the safe interval for administering coating agents by identifying the timing of onset of esophageal perforations. METHODS: A retrospective study of 290 fatal or severe battery ingestions with esophageal lodgment was undertaken to identify cases with esophageal perforations. RESULTS: Esophageal perforations were identified in 189 cases (53 fatal, 136 severe; 95.2% in children ≤4 years). Implicated batteries were predominantly lithium (91.0%) and 92.0% were ≥20 mm diameter. Only 2% of perforations occurred in <24 h following ingestion, including 3 severe cases with perforations evident at 11-17 h, 12 h, and 18 h. Another 7.4% of perforations (11 cases) became evident 24 to 47 h post ingestion and 10.1% of perforations (15 cases) became evident 48 to 71 h post ingestion. By 3 days post ingestion, 26.8% of perforations were evident, 36.9% by 4 days, 46.3% by 5 days, and 66.4% by 9 days. CONCLUSION: Esophageal perforation is unlikely in the 12 h after battery ingestion, therefore the administration of honey or sucralfate carries a low risk of extravasation from the esophagus. This first 12 h includes the period of peak electrolysis activity and battery damage, thus the risk of honey or sucralfate is low while the benefit is likely high.