GIANT TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA - MANAGEMENT BY ESOPHAGEAL DIVERSION

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 75  (3) , 373-377
Abstract
Giant tracheoespophageal fistulas complicating the management of respiratory insufficiency are often difficult to close successfully because of suture line tension and narrowing of the trachea or esophagus or both. Recovery of lung function often depends of successful diversion of gastrointestinal contents from the tracheobrachial tree. Patients (6) with giant tracheoesophageal fistula were managed. In 3 cases the lesions were related to overinflation of low-pressure balloon cuffs. The only survivors were 2 of 3 patients managed by esophageal diversion and reconstruction through extrathoracic incisions. The techniques, advantages and disadvantages of esophageal diversion for giant tracheoesophageal fistula are presented.

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