Repair of complete longitudinal esophageal rupture with preservation of esophageal motility.

There is no consensus on the ideal treatment for esophageal perforation and on the maximal extent of esophageal disruption amenable to primary repair. The effect of extensive esophageal injury on postoperative esophageal motility is also unknown. We report the case of a longitudinal iatrogenic esophageal laceration extending from the hypopharynx to the cardia in a morbidly obese patient treated with primary repair. The patient exhibited no postoperative esophageal leak or stricture and maintained a preserved esophageal peristalsis on manometry at 3 months. An extensively lacerated esophagus can be repaired primarily while maintaining a normal postoperative function.