What are the concerns with having esophageal rupture?

Infection: As contents is the esophagus and possibly stomach escape into adjacent tissues, mediastinitis may follow. This is a serious infection in the area of the chest between the right and left lung and includes the heart and blood vessel. If the person eats, food then leaks out through this break in the esophagus, so patients are ordered not to eat, tube inserted through the nose and surgery required.

Sepsis, death: Esophageal rupture is often a life-threatening condition if not treated immediately. Food particles and bacteria leak out of the esophagus into the chest cavities which can cause overwhelming infection. If caught early, aggressive antibiotic use can be successful. In other situations, an operation may be necessary.