Post-Intubation Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Surgical Management by Complete Cervical Tracheal Transection

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2024 Jan 26;30(1):22-00134. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.22-00134. Epub 2022 Oct 29.

Abstract

We report successful surgical management of post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in an adult patient requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. A complete tracheal transection without tracheal resection, via an anterior cervical approach, followed by direct closure of tracheal and esophageal defect, and interposition of muscle flap between the suture lines and tracheal reconstruction was performed. In selected cases, this surgical procedure may be a viable alternative to traditional techniques used to treat post-intubation TEF via the anterior or lateral cervical approach.

Keywords: alternative technique; surgery; tracheoesophageal fistula.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects
  • Trachea / diagnostic imaging
  • Trachea / surgery
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula* / etiology
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula* / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome