Delayed lower esophageal perforation: management with Celestin tube

Rupture of the esophagus carries a high mortality rate with delayed closure in the compromised patient. In the five patients observed at the Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, we had uniform success in controlling infection and in resolution of the fistula with the use of the Celestin tube. We feel this method is simple, effective, and worthy of further evaluation for treatment of the complicated esophageal perforation.