Boerhaave syndrome in an elderly man successfully treated with 3-month indwelling esophageal stent

Abstract

Boerhaave syndrome refers to a spontaneous perforation of the esophagus that results from severe straining or vomiting. This uncommon situation may lead to serious outcome with chemical mediastinitis, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgery, although associated with high morbidity and mortality remains the treatment of choice, whereas endoscopic management with stent placement is preserved to treat inoperable patients. Removal of the stent is generally recommended after 4-6 weeks. We report a case of an elderly patient who presented with a large complicated Boerhaave's mid-esophageal perforation, with a complete recovery after a 3-month treatment with a long esophageal stent. Keywords: Boerhaave syndrome, Esophageal rupture, Esophageal stent