Left Thoracoscopic Primary Repair of Esophageal Perforation Secondary to Boerhaave Syndrome

Abstract Background With the advancement of the minimally invasive surgical techniques, more and more acute surgical conditions including esophageal perforations can be performed safely using minimally invasive surgical approach. Methods A middle aged male patient presented to our department with 3 days history of epigastric pain and vomiting. He was febrile on admission and investigation revealed the left sided esophageal perforation due to Boerhaave Syndrome with left sided pleural effusion. He underwent left thoracoscopic primary repair of esophageal perforation and wash out successfully. This is the video of the thoracoscopic primary repair of the perforation. Patient was put in the right lateral semi prone position, the area of perforation was identified by careful dissection of the pleura and repaired was performed in 2 layers. The pleura cavity was washed out with warm saline and underwater sealed chest tube drain was inserted. Results Post operatively patient was transferred to surgical intensive care unit for 1 day. Patient was kept nil by mouth with parenteral nutrition for 7 days. Contrast study was performed on post operative day 7 and started oral feeding when there was no evidence of leakage. Patient recovered and discharged well. Conclusion Thoracoscopic primary repair with wash out of spontaneous esophageal perforation secondary to Boerrhave Syndrome is challenging however it is safe and can be performed successfully. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JTfJLV-ngUBwzMybGV4FL8EEQB-ysj9O/view