Esophageal Rupture

Esophageal rupture is full-thickness break of esophagus, due to violent vomiting (Boerhaave), endoscopy, foreign body, or trauma, presenting with severe chest pain, fever, subcutaneous emphysema, and mediastinitis. Treatment: NPO; IV broad-spectrum antibiotics; IV fluids/nutrition; immediate surgical or endoscopic repair (clipping/stent); drainage (chest/mediastinum); contrast study/CT to localize; ICU monitoring; treat underlying cause; early management improves outcomes; follow-up for stricture/fistula.

Common Symptoms

Severe chest pain; fever; subcutaneous emphysema; by vomiting/endoscopy/trauma

Causes and Pathogenesis

Full-thickness rupture causes mediastinal contamination/mediastinitis.

Treatment

NPO; IV antibiotics; drainage; repair; nutrition; ICU; treat cause

Preventive Measures

Careful endoscopy; avoid violent vomiting; treat foreign bodies.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Thoracic-surgery/Gastroenterology/ENT/ICU/Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.