Boerhaave syndrome: A rare postoperative complication.

Spontaneous esophageal perforation, also called Boerhaave syndrome, is a relatively rare condition that can result in significant morbidity or mortality. The tear commonly involves all three layers of the esophagus. It results from increased intraluminal pressure, most commonly from violent retching and vomiting. This article describes a patient with esophageal perforation in the immediate postoperative period following elective hip arthroplasty.