OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of various covering tissues for improving the cure rate of spontaneous rupture of esophagus. METHODS From 1970 to 1994, 13 cases with spontaneous rupture of esophagus were performed primary repair, among them, 10 cases were covered by pedicled greater omentum after impair, and the other 3 cases were covered by pedicled pleural flap. RESULTS: Satisfactory result and complete recovery were obtained in all 10 cases by using pedicled greater omentum. Two cases among 3 cases using pedicled pleural flap suffered re-rupture of esophagus at 5 days and 8 days after operation, and died because of whole body exhaustion. CONCLUSION Pedicled greater omentum is a good covering tissue for repair of spontaneous rupture of esophagus.