Expanding mesh stent in the emergency treatment of Boerhaave's syndrome

Boerhaave's syndrome, or spontaneous esophageal perforation, is a life threatening condition demanding early diagnosis and rapid aggressive management to prevent fulminant mediastinitis and death. We describe a patient treated in an emergency situation with an expanding esophageal mesh stent to bridge the esophageal rent together with chest and mediastinal drainage, resulting in complete recovery and return to the community. We also describe the partial recovery of the stent in the convalescent period. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999;67:1482-3) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.