[Diagnosis and management of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore guidelines of the diagnosis and management for spontaneous rupture of the esophagus. METHODS: Of the 15 patients suffering spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, 11 received surgical treatment while the other 4 received non-operative treatment. RESULTS: Eleven patients recovered smoothly and death occurred in 4 cases, with the total cure rate of 73%. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and operation are crucial for management of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus, and in cases of delayed diagnosis, indications for operation need to be extended.