Onlay fundic patch method applied in spontaneous rupture of the esophagus: a case report

A successful attempt using the onlay fundic patch method for treatment of spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (SRE) was reported. A 38-year old male presented with left chest pain and a preoperative diagnosis of SRE was made. Surgery was performed 16 hours after the onset of symptoms and a 3 cm esophageal tear just above the level of the diaphragmatic hiatus was noted. The esophageal tear was repaired by the onlay fundic patch method through left thoracotomy and the postoperative course was uneventful and recovery was complete. A search of the literature has yielded only one case of SRE that was improved with onlay fundic patch by Thal and Hatafuku (1964) and this method is useful for the immediate and late repair of rupture of the esophagus.