Aim: To discuss the merits of "tubes treatment" for esophageal fistula (EF).
Methods: A 66-year-old female who suffered from a bronchoesophageal and esophagothoratic fistula underwent a successful "three tubes treatment" (close chest drainage, negative pressure suction at the leak, and nasojejunal feeding tube), combination of antibiotics, antacid drugs and nutritional support. Another 55-year-old male patient developed an esophagopleural fistula (EPF) after esophageal carcinoma operation. He too was treated conservatively with the three tubes strategy as mentioned above towards a favorable outcome.
Results: The two patients recovered with the tubes treatment, felt well and became able to eat and drink, presenting no complaint.
Conclusion: Tubes treatment is an effective basic way for EF. It may be an alternative treatment option.