Benign esophago-pulmonary fistula complicating achalasia: case report and literature review

J Thorac Dis. 2015 Apr;7(4):E92-6. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.04.03.

Abstract

The achalasia, a common benign disease of esophagus, plays an important role in esophago-respiratory fistula, which has not yet been well recognized. In present study, a case is reported of a patient with benign esophago-pulmonary fistula secondary to a longstanding achalasia. To our knowledge, this is the fifth patient of English literature presenting benign esophago-pulmonary fistula associated with achalasia, we performed Heller's myotomy as well as fundoplication through trans-abdominal route and colon replacement of the esophagus through retro-sternal procedure, but with the thoracic esophageal fistula as well as the right lung left being intact. The patient is going on well in the follow up.

Keywords: Benign esophago-pulmonary fistula; achalasia.