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Ginesu GC, Feo CF, Cossu ML, Ruiu F, Addis F, Fancellu A, Fois AG, Paliogiannis P, Porcu A. Thoracoscopic treatment of a broncho-esophageal fistula: A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2016; 28:74-77. [PMID: 27689523 PMCID: PMC5043393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Broncho-Esophageal Fistula (BEF) in adults is rare. If left untreated, BEF may lead to fatal complications despite its benign nature. The most frequent approach is thoracotomy. Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) may be a minimally invasive approach.
Introduction Broncho-esophageal fistula is a rare clinical condition which can be manifested with non-specific signs and symptoms. Presentation of a case Here, we report an adult case of a broncho-esophageal fistula in a 43-year-old man referred for chronic cough after fluid food intake and weight loss. Barium swallow, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, bronchoscopy and Computed Tomography of the chest demonstrated a broncho-esophageal fistula between the apical segmental bronchus of the lower right lobe and the middle section of the esophagus. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for resection of the fistula. No post-operative complications occurred. Discussion Broncho-esophageal fistula in adults is rare and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the frequent lack of specific symptoms. Although there is no standard protocol, the most widely used treatment is thoracotomy with identification and dissection of the fistula tract followed by repair of bronchial and esophageal defects. Conclusions Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery appears to be an effective and minimally invasive approach for the treatment of broncho-esophageal fistulas, especially in young, healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio C Ginesu
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Claudio F Feo
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Maria L Cossu
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ruiu
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Francesca Addis
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Fancellu
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Alessandro G Fois
- Respiratory Disease Institute, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Alberto Porcu
- Unit of General Surgery, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Chan AC, Leung JS, Lee AK, Li R, Tam C, Leung C, Law W. An unusual case of double tuberculous broncho‐oesophageal fistulas in an adult. Respirology 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2000.00283.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Chi‐Kuen Chan
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Departments of
| | | | | | - Robert Li
- Radiology, St Paul Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Cheuk‐Ming Tam
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Departments of
| | - Chi‐Chiu Leung
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Departments of
| | - Wing‐Sze Law
- Tuberculosis and Chest Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, Departments of
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