Surgical Management of Benign Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistulas: A Ten-Year Experience

Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula repaired with one-stage surgery without tracheal resection using lateral cervical approach, a case report

INTRODUCTION

Acquired non-malignant tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare pathological connection between the trachea and esophagus caused primarily by iatrogenic injuries. Cuff-related injury causes pressure necrosis of the tracheoesophageal walls, often due to the overinflation of tubes.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 29-year-old male who was mechanically ventilated for 3 months developed TEF after weaning from ventilation. The patient had severe sepsis, right lower lobe pneumonia, and parapneumonic effusion requiring multidisciplinary approach management. Preoperative measures were applied, including control of sepsis, nutritional support, stomach decompression, lung physiotherapy, placement of the cuff distal to the fistula, and weaning from ventilation. We performed a one-stage TEF repair with an interposition strap muscle flap using the lateral approach.

DISCUSSION

The surgical approach greatly depends on the fistula location, size, and concomitant tracheal stenosis. Large TEFs or tracheal stenosis are repaired with segmental tracheal resection and anastomosis. Small TEFs and a normal trachea are repaired with direct closure of tracheal and esophageal defects, which can be performed through lateral or anterior cervicotomy.

CONCLUSION

This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, preoperative management, and meticulous surgical technique in the management of acquired TEF.

Flap-based Closure of Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistulas

Iatrogenic tracheoesophageal fistulae management and repair are difficult to manage with few resourced describing management and repair. Two cases are presented describing the approach to and repair of a tracheoesophagea fistula; one with a free flap and one with local flap reconstruction. Both cases utilized allograft material to maintain separation between the alimentary and repiratory tracts. Laryngoscope, 2024.

Management and outcomes in a consecutive series of patients with aero-digestive fistula at a tertiary gastro-esophageal surgery center

Aerodigestive fistula (ADF) is defined as a pathological connection between the upper digestive tract and the airway. ADF is associated with high morbidity and mortality and management is often complex. A cohort study including all patients admitted with ADF 2004-2022 at a single tertiary esophageal surgery center was performed based on prospectively collected administrative data and retrospectively collected electronic patient chart data,. Patient demographics, performance status, comorbidity, fistula characteristics, management, and outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality were assessed in patients with ADF of three distinct types: (i) tumor overgrowth-related, (ii) various benign etiologies, and (iii) post-esophagectomy. Sixty-one patients with ADF were included in the study, 33 (54.1%) tumor overgrowth-related, six (9.8%) benign and 22 (36.1%) post-esophagectomy. In the post-esophagectomy group 15 out of 22 (68.2%) patients were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage prior to ADF diagnosis. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) were used for temporary fistula sealing in 59 out of 61 (96.7%) patients, of which most received stents in both the digestive tract and airway. Temporary fistula sealing with stents was successful enabling discharge from hospital in 47 out of 59 (79.7%) patients. Definitive ADF repair was performed in 16 (26.2%) patients, of which one (6.3%) died within 90-days and 15 could be discharged home with permanently sealed fistulas. ADF is a complex condition associated with high mortality, which often requires multiple advanced interventions. SEMS can be applied in the airway and simultaneously in the digestive tract to temporarily seal the ADF as bridge to definitive surgical repair.

Brazilian airway surgery survey indicates low overall numbers and need for improved teaching skills

OBJECTIVES

The Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgeons conducted an online survey to determine the number of surgeons that perform adult and paediatric airway surgery and to understand the practice patterns along the country.

METHODS

Active members were electronically invited to complete the questionnaire through the REDCapR platform. Invitations were sent from January to April 2020. The survey encompassed 40 questions that explored 4 different topics in the assessment of tracheal diseases: (i) surgeon's demography; (ii) institutional profile, (iii) education and training in laryngo-tracheal surgery and (iv) preoperative and postoperative evaluation.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine percentage of the responders declared to perform tracheal surgery with a median of 5 tracheal resection procedures per year [interquartile range (IQR) 3-12]. Interaction with other specialties occurs in 37.3% of cases. Access to technology and devices is highly variable across the country. Resident training in airway surgery consists in traditional lectures in 97% of the cases. Training in animals (15.2%), cadavers (12.1%) and simulators (6.1%) are rare. Preoperatory evaluation encompasses flexible bronchoscopy (97.8%) and/or computed tomography (CT) scan of the airways (90.6%). Swallowing (20.1%) and voice (14.4%) disorders are rarely evaluated. Eighty-nine percentage of the surgeons consider bronchoscopy to be the preoperatory gold-standard exam, followed by CT scan (38.8%) and CT-3D reconstruction (37.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilian surgeons refer that airway resection and reconstruction are part of their current practice, but the total number of procedures per surgeon per year is low. Access to high-end technology and equipment is heterogenous. Training offered to residents in most academic institutions relies on traditional lectures.

Surgical strategies for benign acquired tracheoesophageal fistula

OBJECTIVES

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is characterized by abnormal connectivity between the posterior wall of the trachea or bronchus and the adjacent anterior wall of the oesophagus. Benign TEF can result in serious complications; however, there is currently no uniform standard to determine the appropriate surgical approach for repairing TEF.

METHODS

The PubMed database was used to search English literature associated with TEF from 1975 to October 2023. We employed Boolean operators and relevant keywords: 'tracheoesophageal fistula', 'tracheal resection', 'fistula suture', 'fistula repair', 'fistula closure', 'flap', 'patch', 'bioabsorbable material', 'bioprosthetic material', 'acellular dermal matrix', 'AlloDerm', 'double patch', 'oesophageal exclusion', 'oesophageal diversion' to search literature. The evidence level of the literature was assessed based on the GRADE classification.

RESULTS

Nutritional support, no severe pulmonary infection and weaning from mechanical ventilation were the 3 determinants for timing of operation. TEFs were classified into 3 levels: small TEF (<1 cm), moderate TEF (≥1 but <5 cm) and large TEF (≥5 cm). Fistula repair or tracheal segmental resection was used for the small TEF with normal tracheal status. If the anastomosis cannot be finished directly after tracheal segmental resection, special types of tracheal resection, such as slide tracheoplasty, oblique resection and reconstruction, and autologous tissue flaps were preferred depending upon the site and size of the fistula. Oesophageal exclusion was applicable to refractory TEF or patients with poor conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The review primarily summarizes the main surgical techniques employed to repair various acquired TEF, to provide references that may contribute to the treatment of TEF.

Tracheoesophageal fistula treated with magnetic compression technique in canines

There are various surgical methods for tracheoesophageal fistula; however, there is presently no unified standard. Based on the magnetic compression technique, we designed a novel method for the treatment of tracheoesophageal fistula. The purpose of this study was to verify its feasibility in an animal experiment. Six beagle dogs underwent surgical repair after constructing a tracheoesophageal fistula model. After the tracheal and esophageal spaces were freed during the operation, two magnets were used to clamp the fistula. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and wound healing were monitored. Samples were obtained 14 days after the operation, and fistula repair was observed. The tracheoesophageal fistula repair operation was successfully completed for all six beagles. The average operation time was 23.67 ± 4.50 min. The average intraoperative blood loss was less than 10 mL. One dog had a postoperative wound infection, and the rest had no postoperative complications. The wound healed well. In all dogs, after specimen collection, it was observed that the fistula was successfully closed and the mucosal layer was smooth and flat. Histological observation showed that the anastomosis was slightly inflamed, the mucosal layer and surrounding tissues were arranged neatly, and the structure was slightly disordered. Magnetic compression technique can be effectively used to repair tracheoesophageal fistula, shorten the operation time, and simplify the operation procedure, and thus, it has the potential for clinical application.

Management of stent-related tracheoesophageal fistula in complex post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis: A case report

Background

The covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have been used to manage benign tracheobronchial stenosis, especially the complex post-tuberculosis (TB) tracheobronchial stenosis (PTTS) with cartilage destruction or malacia. This procedure could lead to stent-related tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).

Case presentation

A 21-year-old woman, who had one covered Y-shaped SEMS inserted to manage complex PTTS 2 years ago, presented with dyspnea and frequent coughing on drinking water. The bronchoscopy confirmed extensive granulation tissue hyperplasia and a TEF on the upper edge of the covered SEMS. The covered SEMS was removed in three steps, and another fully covered Y-shape SEMS (Microtech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China) was inserted to restore patency in the tracheobronchial tree and occlude the TEF orifice. Recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) (6,000 IU/time) was sprayed into and around the fistula through the V-System single-use cannula via the flexible bronchoscope every other week. The patient showed sustained clinical and radiographic improvement, and the TEF healed.

Conclusion

We presented a three-step bronchoscopic approach to managing a stent-related TEF in a patient with complex PTTS. Subsequently, regular bronchoscopic debridement of granulation tissue developing on the upper edge of SEMS is necessary to maintain the stent patency and reduce the risk of recurrent stent-related TEF. A fully covered SEMS associated with the local administration of rbFGF seems to offer an alternative simplified one-stage procedure for the temporary management of TEF combined with complex PTTS in non-surgical candidates.

Tracheobronchial Surgery in Emerging Countries

Tracheobronchial surgery is widely performed in emerging countries mainly as a consequence of the high number of airway-related complications and poor management in intensive care units. This has led to great expertise in the surgical management of postintubation tracheal stenosis, and opportunity for advancing scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, tracheal stenosis has a severe impact on a patient's quality of life, is a major burden to the health system, and should be prevented. Incorporation of innovative techniques, technologies, and prospective databases should prompt earlier diagnosis and lead to fewer complications.

Surgical management of benign cervical tracheoesophageal fistulas: A single-tertiary academic institution experience

PURPOSE

Despite improvements of diagnosis and management, acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistulas (AB-TEFs) remain a challenging clinical problem and a life-threating condition. In the present study, we reviewed the early results and the long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of cervical AB-TEFs treated in our institution during the last 9 years.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent transcervical repair of benign cervical AB-TEFs. Patients were identified from a prospectively filled electronic database which included patients' demographics, medical history, disease presentation, prior treatments, operative report, morbidity and mortality, hospital stay, postoperative results and follow-up information.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients affected by cervical AB-TEF were treated. Most of the patients (91%) in our series were treated with a lateral cervicotomic approach with interposition of either sternocleidomastoid muscle flap (72.7%) or pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (9.1%) or infrahyoid muscle flap (9.1%). The univariate analysis of showed that the etiology and surgical technique were significantly associated with immediate postoperative outcome. Esophageal diversion was removed in all patients but 3 due to their neurological status, which was the only significant factor related to post-operative oral-intake (p =0.016). We experienced 2 (18.2%) failures of the reconstruction, which occurred in patients previously treated with chemoradiation for head and neck malignancies. None of the remaining patients (72.8%) relapsed after a long-term follow-up restoring a normal oral diet was restored.

CONCLUSION

The lateral cervicotomic approach with sternocleidomastoid flap interposition showed its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of AB-TEFs in our single-institution experience.

A unique approach for a large intra-thoracic traumatic tracheo-oesophageal fistula: A case report from Syria

Introduction and importance

Acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare complication of intubation or traumas, either blunt or penetrating. In a penetrating chest trauma, the closure of TOF can be challenging and requires a unique technique. A flap can and intra-tracheal tube can also be used. We present this case to demonstrate a unique late presentation of TOF and the unique approach that was used.

Case presentation

A patient presented with a large TOF caused by shrapnel, and was surgically managed after two months of the injury by using a smaller intra-tracheal tube, and using an oesophageal wall flap to close the tracheal defect and intercostal muscle flap was used for the oesophageal wall repair. The postoperative intrathoracic oesophageal leak was successfully treated conservatively.

Clinical discussion

Although the surgery could not be conducted until 2 months after the injury, the approach used was successful and the patient was able to resume his normal life after the surgery. The flap from the oesophagus and intercostal muscles and using a smaller tracheal tube successfully repaired the TOF with minimum stress on the suterings, and the conservative approach for the leak was also successful.

Conclusion

Traumatic TOF management can be complicated, but we speculate that using a smaller tube with the conservative management of the complications was ideal for the TOF acquired from a shrapnel.

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Acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) can be caused by trauma.

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The closure of TOF can be difficult and requires unique technique.

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Using a smaller intra- tracheal tube with a flap from oesophageal wall can help in TOF closure in the tracheas.

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Oesophagus wall injury from the shrapnel was managed by intercostal muscles.

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Post-operative oesophageal leak can be managed conservatively.

Early presentation of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis in COVID-19 patient

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Currently, acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas are mainly iatrogenic lesions produced by prolonged tracheal intubation. We present a case of tracheoesophageal fistula with severe tracheal stenosis following tracheal intubation in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Direct and indirect CT imaging features of esophago-airway fistula in adults

Background

Esophago-airway fistula (EAF) is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea or a major bronchus. While contrast esophagography remains the primary radiographic tool for the diagnosis of EAF, computed tomography (CT) is often employed in its evaluation. A systematic analysis of CT findings of EAF in adults has not been previously published. The goal of our study is to determine the direct and indirect CT findings of EAF in adults.

Methods

We identified patients with EAF detected on CT at our institution between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2019, with endoscopic or surgical confirmation. We collected patient clinicopathologic characteristics and assessed CTs for direct and indirect imaging features of EAF in these patients.

Results

Twenty-six patients (median age: 56 years; range, 25–79 years; F=13, 50% and M=13, 50%) with confirmed EAF were identified. Half of the patients had an underlying malignancy. On CT, a direct connection between the esophagus and the airway was identified in most cases (22/26; 85%). Common indirect CT findings of EAF included esophageal wall thickening (21/26, 81%), mediastinal fatty stranding (21/26, 81%), airway wall thickening (20/26, 77%), fluid or debris within the airways (17/26, 65%), and focal or diffuse esophageal dilation with air (17/26, 65%). Mediastinal fluid collections were infrequently seen (4/26, 15%), but findings of aspiration or other pneumonia were common (19/26, 73%).

Conclusions

CT plays an essential role in both the primary and secondary evaluation of adult EAF resulting from both malignant and benign etiologies. CT may be the first diagnostic exam to suggest and detect the presence of EAF and may precede clinical suspicion, and it can detect a subset of fistulas not demonstrated on esophagography. There are several direct and indirect imaging findings on CT that can help in the detection of EAF.

Use of a Pedicled Sternocleidomastoid Musculocutaneous Flap in a Large Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Repairing a large tracheoesophageal fistula with extensive involvement of the membranous wall of the trachea is sometimes troublesome because of the lack of an ideal replacement for the large defect. We report the successful use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid musculocutaneous flap to repair a large tracheoesophageal fistula in which the cutaneous component was applied to the defect of the membranous trachea after tracheal resection and the muscular component was interposed between the tracheal and esophageal walls.

Muscle Flap Transposition for the Management of Intrathoracic Fistulas

BACKGROUND

Intrathoracic fistulas pose unique challenges for thoracic and reconstructive surgeons. To decrease the incidence of fistula recurrence, pedicled flaps have been suggested to buttress the repair site. The authors aimed to report their experience with muscle flap transposition for the management of intrathoracic fistulas.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent intrathoracic muscle flap transposition for the management of intrathoracic fistulas from 1990 to 2010 was conducted. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and complication rates were abstracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were identified. Bronchopleural fistula was present in 156 of the patients (79 percent), and 48 had esophageal fistula (24 percent). A total of 238 flaps were used, constituting an average of 1.2 flaps per patient. After the initial fistula repair, bronchopleural fistula complicated the course of 34 patients (17 percent), and esophageal fistula occurred in 13 patients (7 percent). Partial flap loss was identified in 11 flaps (6 percent), and total flap loss occurred in four flaps (2 percent). Median follow-up was 27 months. At the last follow-up, 182 of the patients (92 percent) had no evidence of fistula, 175 (89 percent) achieved successful chest closure, and 164 (83 percent) had successful treatment. Preoperative radiation therapy and American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 4 or greater were identified as risk factors for unsuccessful treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrathoracic fistulas remain a source of major morbidity and mortality. Reinforcement of the fistula closure with vascularized muscle flaps is a viable option for preventing dehiscence of the repair site and can be potentially life-saving.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

Challenging tracheal resection anastomosis: Case series

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to review our experience in Otorhinolaryngology Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, in the last 2 years in the management of high-risk patients who underwent cricotracheal resection due to different pathologies.

METHODS

This case series included nine patients with severe, grade III or IV subglottic / cervical tracheal stenosis. These patients were considered high risk patients due to unusual pathology / etiology of stenosis or associated surgical field morbidity. Four patients had recurrent stenosis after previous unsuccessful cricotracheal resection, three patients had subglottic stenosis due to external neck trauma which compromised the surgical field. One patient had upper tracheal neoplasm, and in 1 patient there was upper tracheal stenosis associated with tracheo-esophageal fistula.

RESULTS

Successful decannulation was achieved in all patients (n = 9) without any reported major intraoperative or postoperative compilations.

CONCLUSION

Cases of subglottic / upper tracheal stenosis due to uncommon pathologies like neoplastic lesions, external neck trauma compromising the surgical field and revision cricotracheal resection, can be successfully managed by cricotracheal resection. However, a highly skilled team, well familiar with these surgeries, is mandatory to achieve an optimum outcome.

A rare case of acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula

Acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare medical condition that usually results from trauma, foreign bodies or granulomatous infections. This is an unusual presentation of a male patient with a history of laryngectomy who has had over a period of several years inappropriately and vigorously used valve cleaning brushes to clean tracheal secretions, which has led to the formation of a TOF. Due to the patient’s obsessive habit, we could not manage him using conventional surgical methods. Instead, we opted for the placement of a salivary bypass tube, which yielded good results and recovery. To the best of our knowledge, no other case of similar aetiology has been published. We would like to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection and education prior to performing a tracheoesophageal puncture to avoid developing life-threatening complications as demonstrated in our case report.

Surgical repair of mechanical ventilation induced tracheoesophageal fistula

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of surgery to repair tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) caused by mechanical ventilation.

METHOD

Case series and review of all cases reported in English literature. Only reports of TEF following mechanical ventilation and containing description of surgical repair and outcomes were included.

RESULTS

A total of 41 studies comprising 143 patients met the inclusion criteria. Most studies had incomplete information on important variables such as co-morbidity and fistula size. Tracheal resection anastomosis (TRA) was the most common approach, performed in 91 (63.6%) patients (including three newly reported here). Lateral approach repair (LA) was done in 45 (31.5%) patients. The former had a higher incidence of pre-existing tracheal stenosis [53 (89.8%) vs. 7 (35%) cases; p < 0.001]. Flap interposition to augment the repair was done in 49 (53.9%) and 40 (88.9%) cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Successful and durable healing of the fistula were achieved in 90 (98.9%) cases in TRA and 39 (88.6%) cases in LA.

CONCLUSION

In carefully selected cases of TEF caused by mechanical ventilation, TRA is the most preferred approach, delivering successful healing in almost all cases. Where TRA is not indicated or preferred, LA appears to be a good alternative. Future studies should explicitly report all of the known co-variables, so that the exact indications for choosing a particular surgical approach could be better elucidated.

Single application of airway stents in thoracogastric-airway fistula: results and prognostic factors for its healing

BACKGROUND

Thoracogastric-airway fistula (TGAF) post-thoracic surgery is a rare and challenging complication for esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of airway stenting for TGAF patients and find related factors coupled with healing of fistula.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study involving patients with TGAF who were treated with airway stentings. Based on different TGAF locations and sizes on chest computed tomography, covered metallic or silicon airway stents were implanted to cover orifices under interventional bronchoscopy. TGAF healing was defined as the primary outcome, and complete sealing of TGAF as the second outcome. The predictors for TGAF healing were analyzed in univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 58 TGAF patients were included, of whom 7 received straight covered metallic stents, 5 straight silicon stents, 3 L-shaped covered metallic stents, 21 large Y-shaped covered metallic stents, 17 large Y-shaped silicon stents, and 5 with Y-shaped covered metallic stents. Healing was achieved in 20 (34.5%) patients, and complete sealing in 45 (77.6%) patients. There were no significant differences in healing rate and complete sealing rate between patients receiving metallic stents and those with silicon stents. In univariate analysis, lacking a previous history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, nonmalignant fistulas, small fistulas, and shorter postesophagectomy duration were found associated with a higher rate of TGAF healing. Only shorter postesophagectomy duration was associated with TGAF healing in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Both silicon and covered metallic airway stenting are effective methods to close TGAF. A shorter postesophagectomy period may predict better TGAF healing. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

An adaptation of the Hungarian model: the Brazilian model

The Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery (BSTS) has the mission of improving patient care quality and thoracic surgery education. In order to achieve those goals, an overview of thoracic surgery activity in Brazil was necessary. BSTS had a clear need to start a national database. In 2015, BSTS joined European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) Database platform. This partnership was a great choice not only for having a consolidated database, but also for allowing the development of shared educational and scientific projects. The strategy for BSTS database project was selecting committed group of surgeons, establishing implementation phases and setting milestones.

Prophylaxis and Treatment of Complications After Tracheal Resection

Tracheal resections are major surgical procedures with a complication rate as high as 44%. Early detection of complications followed by a structured and expedited course of action is critical for achieving a successful outcome. The prevention of complications after tracheal resection starts with a correct indication for resection. A thorough preoperative evaluation, meticulous surgical technique, and good postoperative care in a center that performs airway surgery routinely are important factors for achieving good results.

Health-related quality of life evaluation in patients with non-surgical benign tracheal stenosis

Background

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with benign post-intubation tracheal stenosis considered as unfit for surgical treatment. Secondary objectives were: (I) to determine if clinical variables (gender, age, total treatment time, and type of tracheal device) could influence HRQL and (II) to compare the results with a normal standardized population.

Methods

Prospective study between August-2014 and December-2016 including patients with tracheal stenosis treated with silicone stents, T-Tubes or tracheostomy. Candidates to airway resection and reconstruction were excluded from the analysis. HRQL was assessed with the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. Backward stepwise regression model analyzed the influence of clinical variables on the SF-36 domains and component summaries. Norm-based results were compared with normative data. Alpha error was 5%.

Results

Ninety-three patients (62M/31F; mean age 38±14 years) were included. Mean overall HRQL in all 8 SF-36 domains was poor. Lowest scores were in the role physical (mean 31.7±38), bodily pain (mean 39.2±35), and role emotional domain (mean 48.7±40). The physical component summary (PCS) was more affected than the mental (P<0.001). Norm-based results indicated that most domains and both physical and mental summaries were below the mean for the USA normative population. Total stenting time significantly influenced the physical (P=0.001) and mental component summaries (P=0.001).

Conclusions

Quality of life of patients with benign tracheal stenosis is severely impaired, and norm-based results indicate that the HRQL is below normative data. Physical and mental discomfort seems to be attenuated by total treatment time.

Surgery for intrathoracic tracheoesophageal and bronchoesophageal fistula

Benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) results from an abnormal communication between the posterior wall of the trachea or bronchi and the adjacent anterior wall of the esophagus. It can be acquired or congenital. The onset of the TEF has a negative impact on the patient's health status and quality of life because of swallowing difficulties, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, and severe weight loss. Several acquired conditions may cause TEF. The most frequent is prolonged orotracheal intubation (75% of the cases). Usually, there is an erosion of the tracheal and esophageal wall by the continuous pressure between the endotracheal tube and the esophageal wall; particularly in the presence of a nasogastric or feeding tube within the esophageal lumen. Furthermore, tracheal stenosis is often associated, and adds complexity to the disease. Preparation for the surgical procedure may take weeks or even months. It includes definitive weaning from mechanical ventilation, treatment of respiratory infection, physiotherapy, and correction of malnutrition through enteral feeding. Surgical repair of a TEF is an elective procedure. It consists of division of the fistula, suture of the esophagus and trachea and protection of the suture lines with a buttressed muscle flap. TEF repair is a complex and challenging procedure, thus, high morbidity and mortality are expected. Nonetheless, surgical management yields excellent long-term results, and it should be considered the first-line treatment for this condition. Definitive fistula closure occurs in about 90-95% of the cases.

Surgery and perioperative management for post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula: case series analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula (PITEF) is an often mistreated, severe condition. This case series reviewed for both the choice and timing of surgical technique and outcome PITEF patients.

METHODS

This case series reviewed ten consecutive patients who had undergone esophageal defect repair and airway resection/reconstruction between 2000 and 2014. All cases were examined for patients: general condition, medical history, preparation to surgery, diagnostic work-up, timing of surgery and procedure, fistula size and site, ventilation type, nutrition, post-operative course and complications.

RESULTS

All patients were treated according to Grillo's technique. Overall, 6/10 patients had undergone a preliminary period of medical preparation. Additionally, 3 patients had already had a tracheostomy, one had had a gastrostomy and 4 had both. One patient had a Dumon stent with enlargement of the fistula. Concomitant tracheal stenosis had been found in 7 patients. The mean length of the fistulas was 20.5 mm (median 17.5 mm; range, 8-45 mm), at a median distance from the glottis of 43 mm (range, 20-68 mm). Tracheal resection was performed in all ten cases. The fistula was included in the resection in 6 patients, while it was excluded in the remaining 4 due to their distance. Post-repair tracheotomy was performed in 3 patients. The procedure was performed in 2 ventilated patients. Morbidity related to fistula and anastomosis was recorded in 3 patients (30%), with one postoperative death (10%); T-Tube placement was necessary in 3 patients, with 2/3 decannulations after long-stenting. Definitive PITEF closure was obtained for all patients. At 5-year follow-up, the 9 surviving patients had no fistula-related morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary esophageal closure with tracheal resection/reconstruction seemed to be effective treatment both short and long-term. Systemic conditions, mechanical ventilation, detailed preoperative assessment and appropriate preparation were associated with outcome. Indeed, the 3 patients who had received T-Tube recovered from anastomotic complications.