Intraoperative presentation of an undiagnosed tracheoesophageal fistula in an adult without history of abdominal or thoracic surgery

Jim Z Sheng; Christopher B Adcock; James D Haddad; Samuel H Dunn; Enas Kandil; Tarek Sawas

doi:10.1080/08998280.2022.2149032

Intraoperative presentation of an undiagnosed tracheoesophageal fistula in an adult without history of abdominal or thoracic surgery

Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent). 2022 Dec 5;36(2):205-207. doi: 10.1080/08998280.2022.2149032. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Jim Z Sheng¹, Christopher B Adcock¹, James D Haddad², Samuel H Dunn², Enas Kandil¹, Tarek Sawas²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
² Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula is uncommon in adults but can cause devastating aspiration events. Herein, we report a unique case of a tracheoesophageal fistula in an adult that presented intraoperatively. The patient did not have any prior history of abdominal or thoracic surgery and was not intubated for a prolonged period of time. The diagnosis, subsequent hospital course, and recommendations for early recognition of this rare condition are discussed.

Keywords: Case report; malnutrition; tracheoesophageal fistula.

Publication types

Case Reports