The tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal flow between the esophagus and the trachea. Most patients with TEF experience severe symptoms. Asymptomatic TEF is rare. In this case report, a 47-year-old woman planned to undergo orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia. She had no symptoms related to TEF, and the preoperative chest computed tomography was also normal. However, there was significant airway resistance after induction. Using a fiber bronchoscope, a TEF was discovered. The TEF found after anesthesia due to high airway pressure is unusual, and the outcome and treatment of these patients need to be further discussed.
Keywords: TEF; bronchoscopy; general anesthesia; high airway pressure; tracheoesophageal fistula.