Endoscopic placement of fibrin sealant as a treatment for a long-standing Boerhaave's fistula

Abstract

A 64-year-old man suffered a spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave's syndrome) after an episode of severe retching. He underwent attempted primary repair of the esophageal defect, but unfortunately the repair failed with the development of a persistent esophago-bronchial fistula resistant to extended conservative management. Three hundred and nineteen days after the initial rupture, the fistula was successfully treated with endoscopic placement of fibrin glue. We believe this to be the first reported case of fibrin sealant being used in the treatment of a long-standing fistula resulting from Boerhaave's syndrome. © 2004 ISDE.