8 cases of the esophageal perforations were treated at the department of thoracic surgery, Chungnam National University Hospital during the period from July, 1980 to Dec., 1982. The causes of the perforation were various; swallowed a piece of glass, stocking pin, coiled wire, compressed air blow, strenuous vomiting, dog bite, tiller accident, and endoscopic procedure. The perforation sites were cervical esophagus in 3 cases, upper thoracic in 2 cases and lower thoracic in remains. We have performed following surgical procedure; Incision and drainage for cervical abscess, closed thoracostomy, thoracotomy and debridement, esophagoscopy and gastrostomy. Two cases were died. The causes of death were massive bleeding and sepsis. [KTCS 1983;1:121-126]