Imapct of delay in diagnosis on mortality rates for patients with an esophageal perforation

This figure represents the effect of delay in diagnosis on mortality rates for patients with an esophageal perforation. The overall mortality rate of an early diagnosis made within 24 hours is lower compared with a delay in diagnosis greater than 24 hours (14 versus 27 percent). Patients treated with a primary closure within 24 hours had a lower mortality rate compared with those repaired after 24 hours (4 versus 14 percent).