INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to review the management and outcome of patients with Boerhaave's syndrome in a specialist centre between 2000-2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were grouped according to time from symptoms to referral (early, < 24 h; late, > 24 h). The effects of referral time and management on outcomes (oesophageal leak, reoperation and mortality) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 21 patients (early 10; late 11), three were unfit for surgery. Of the remaining 18, immediate surgery was performed in 8/8 referred early and 6/10 referred late. Four patients referred late were treated conservatively. Oesophageal leak (78% versus 12.5%; P < 0.05) and mortality (40% versus 0%; P < 0.05) rates were higher in patients referred late. For patients referred late, mortality was higher in patients managed conservatively (75% versus 17%; not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The best outcomes in Boerhaave's syndrome are associated with early referral and surgical management in a specialist centre. Surgery appears to be superior to conservative treatment for patients referred late.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to review the management and outcome of patients with Boerhaave's syndrome in a specialist centre between 2000-2007. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were grouped according to time from symptoms to referral (early, < 24 h; late, > 24 h). The effects of referral time and management on outcomes (oesophageal leak, reoperation and mortality) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 21 patients (early 10; late 11), three were unfit for surgery. Of the remaining 18, immediate surgery was performed in 8/8 referred early and 6/10 referred late. Four patients referred late were treated conservatively. Oesophageal leak (78% versus 12.5%; P < 0.05) and mortality (40% versus 0%; P < 0.05) rates were higher in patients referred late. For patients referred late, mortality was higher in patients managed conservatively (75% versus 17%; not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The best outcomes in Boerhaave's syndrome are associated with early referral and surgical management in a specialist centre. Surgery appears to be superior to conservative treatment for patients referred late.
Authors: Aamir Z Khan; Mathew J Forshaw; Andrew R Davies; Taryn Youngstein; Robert C Mason; Abraham J Botha Journal: Am Surg Date: 2007-05 Impact factor: 0.688