Tracheo-esophageal fistula: combined surgical and endoscopic approach

Abstract

We present a case of benign acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula caused by cuffed tracheal tube. The patient was septic and weaning from the mechanical ventilation was unlikely, so immediate repair of the tracheal and esophageal lesions was imperative. A silicone endoprosthesis was inserted in the tracheal lumen and the esophageal lesion was repaired with direct suture. After weaning from mechanical ventilation and recovery, the patient was discharged with a silicone tracheal stent. Three months later the stent was removed without complications or need for further treatment. This combined approach as never been published before, and can be a very useful alternative for the treatment of this rare but taxing complication.