Jejunostomy feeding for the conservative management of spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus.

Three patients with spontaneous rupture of the oesophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) were successfully treated by a conservative regimen consisting of nil orally and broad-spectrum antibiotics, while their nutrition was satisfactorily maintained by jejunostomy feeding. Such a regimen is simpler and cheaper than one utilising parenteral nutrition: it avoids its complications and limitations, and will enable healing to take place within three weeks after the rupture has occurred. It is therefore suggested that the conservative management of Boerhaave's syndrome is the treatment of choice.