[Non-excisional treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus]

We present 7 personal cases of Boerhaave syndrome, 6 treated surgically and one managed with conservative measures. Boerhaave's syndrome is one of the most serious gastro-intestinal perforation pictures. Although its frequency is scant, because of its seriousness it is important to be aware of it for early diagnosis. While a prompt diagnosis is important in any pathology, it is even more so in this syndrome since there is a clear relationship between the time lapse from perforation to the onset of treatment and the rate of survival. Although we present one case cured medically, this is exceptional and treatment is eminently surgical and should be as early as possible. The technique that provides the best results and an excellent morbimortality rate in relation to efficacy is primary suture followed by a fundal patch. In delayed cases with patients in deteriorated condition, other techniques can be considered. Due to its initial severity and a tendency to postoperative complications, the patient should be closely controlled, and correct antibiotic therapy and complete parenteral support nutrition are very important in treatment.