Benign Esophagobronchial Fistula With and Without Esophageal Obstruction: Two Ends of the Surgical Spectrum

• DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2007.07.069
• Publication Date: 2007-12-26T19:02:02Z
• Authors: Timothy L. Van Natta; Kalpaj R. Parekh; Caitlin G. Reed; Saad A. Shebrain; Bassam O. Omari
• Keywords: Surgical resection; Broad spectrum; Esophageal dilatation

Acquired esophagobronchial fistula (EBF) is uncommon and its surgical remediation is challenging. Management depends on the cause, degree of pulmonary involvement, and existence of esophageal obstruction. We report management of two EBF cases representing extremes of the surgical spectrum. One patient with EBF secondary to mediastinal fungal infection underwent pulmonary resection and esophageal repair. Another, who was positive for human immunodeficiency virus, required esophageal resection and fistula closure, but no pulmonary resection. Successful outcome was achieved in both patients.