[Spontaneous and instrumental perforations of the thoracic esophagus (non-neoplastic, non-caustic). Apropos of 20 cases].

The authors present twenty cases of spontaneous or instrumental perforation of the thoracic esophagus (neoplastic and caustic perforations excluded). The delay before treatment was less than 24 hours in only one case. Mortality rate was 15%, concerning three patients (three cases of Boerhaave's syndrome) treated by T tube drainage. The contribution of exclusion using stapling technique should increase the indications of direct suture, which remains elective treatment. Esophagectomy retains its indications for perforations with pathologic esophagus or late diagnosis.