 This study examined the treatment of patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture. It found that the most common complication was pneumonia, followed by mediastonitis, pleural emphyema, and sepsis. Patients who had laparotomy, right thoracotomy, or laparotomy and thoracotomy had more complicated courses than those who did not have any of these procedures. Laparotomy and thoracotomy were associated with higher rates of mortality. The authors concluded that the best way to treat patients with spontaneous esophageal rupture is through a left-sided thoracotomy. This article was authored by A.I. Babic.