Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal complication caused by foreign body ingestion. Aortic replacement and endovascular stent graft are the common repair surgeries. The materials to repair an aortic defect in AEF are typically homograft or allograft, but the use of an autologous pericardium patch is rarely reported. Here we reported a patient with AEF and severe mediastinal infection induced by chicken bone ingestion. In this case, the autologous pericardium patch was used as the repair material.
Aorta ; injuries ; surgery ; Aortic Diseases ; etiology ; surgery ; Autografts ; transplantation ; Esophageal Fistula ; etiology ; surgery ; Foreign Bodies ; complications ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; etiology ; surgery ; Humans ; Mediastinal Diseases ; surgery ; Pericardium ; transplantation ; Stents ; Transplantation, Autologous ; methods ; Vascular Fistula ; etiology ; surgery ; Vascular Grafting ; methods

The management of postoperative leaks into the mediastinum after esophagectomy remains a challenge. We describe our clinical management of this complication through endoscopic transluminal drainage. Between 2008 and 2011, 4 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who underwent McKeown-type esophagectomy with two-field lymphadenectomy experienced complicated anastomotic fistulae in the presence of superior mediastinal sepsis. All 4 patients underwent endoscopic transluminal drainage, and all survived. The mean healing period was 50 days (range, 31 to 58 days), the mean stay in the intensive care unit was 7.3 days (range, 1 to 18 days), and the mean hospital stay was 64.5 days (range, 49 to 70 days). Endoscopically guided transluminal drainage should be considered for ESCC patients with superior mediastinal fistulae after esophagectomy.
Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; surgery ; Drainage ; Endoscopy ; Esophageal Fistula ; etiology ; therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Male ; Mediastinum ; Middle Aged ; Sepsis ; etiology ; therapy

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in the application of muscle relaxants in the perioperative period in neonates with congenital esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 58 previously untreated neonates with EA-TEF who were treated in the Neonatal Center of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2017 to 2019. The incidence rate of anastomotic leak was compared between the neonates receiving muscle relaxants for different durations after surgery (≤ 5 days and > 5 days). The correlation between the duration of postoperative use of muscle relaxants and the duration of mechanical ventilation was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 58 neonates with EA-TEF, 44 underwent surgery, among whom 35 with type III EA-TEF underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Among these 35 neonates, 30 (86%) received muscle relaxants after surgery, with a median duration of 4.75 days, and 6 (18%) experienced anastomotic leak. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of anastomosis leak between the ≤ 5 days and > 5 days groups ( CONCLUSIONS Prolonged use of muscle relaxants after surgery cannot significantly reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak, but can prolong the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in neonates with EA-TEF. Therefore, prolonged use of muscle relaxants is not recommended after surgery.
Child ; Esophageal Atresia/surgery* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Muscles ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Tracheoesophageal Fistula/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

An aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare, potentially fatal condition, and aortic surgery is usually performed together with extracorporeal circulation. However, this surgical method has a high rate of surgical complications and mortality. This report describes an AEF caused by tuberculous esophagitis that was treated successfully using a two-stage operation. A 52-yr-old man was admitted to the hospital with severe hematemesis and syncope. Based on the computed tomography and diagnostic endoscopic findings, he was diagnosed with an AEF and initially underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Esophageal reconstruction was performed after controlling the mediastinal inflammation. The patient suffered postoperative anastomotic leakage, which was treated by an endoscopic procedure, and the patient was discharged without any further problems. The patient received 9 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment after he was diagnosed with histologically confirmed tuberculous esophagitis; subsequently, he was followed as an outpatient and has had no recurrence of the tuberculosis or any further issues.
Aortic Diseases/etiology/*surgery ; Eosinophilic Esophagitis/*complications/*surgery ; Esophageal Fistula/etiology/*surgery ; Esophagoscopy/*methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Tuberculosis/*complications/surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery.

METHODSThirteen cases with esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery were studied.

RESULTSThe causes includes: (1) During the operation, esophagus was oppressed by a clasp for so long time that made a pressure necrosis of the esophagus; (2) Esophagus was injured by loose plates and screws; (3) Loose bone grafts oppressed esophagus; (4) Esophagus was injured by operative appliance in the operation; (5) Esophagus was oppressed by the plate.

DIAGNOSISAfter anterior cervical spine surgery if patients had a high fever, sore throat, swelling incision, and food sediment was found in the incision, esophagocutaneous fistula should be considered. The final diagnosis could be done by esophageal radiography.

TREATMENTFasting cure, nasogastric tube and wound drainage should be used; When the inflammation ended, patients should undergo operation of closure of the esophageal fistula.

CONCLUSIONSThe esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery has several causes mentioned above. We should take precautionary measures to avoid the complication, and use appropriate treatment to cure when it happens.

Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Cutaneous Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Esophageal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies

An esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) is an often fatal consequence of esophageal or bronchogenic carcinomas. The preferred treatment is placement of esophageal and/or airway stents. Stent placement must be performed as quickly as possible since patients with ERFs are at a high risk for aspiration pneumonia. In this review, choice of stents and stenting area, fistula reopening and its management, and the long-term outcome in the interventional management of malignant ERFs are considered. Lastly, a review of esophagopulmonary fistulas will also be provided.
Bronchial Neoplasms/*complications ; Esophageal Fistula/etiology/*therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms/*complications ; Esophagus/surgery ; Humans ; Palliative Care/methods ; Quality of Life ; Respiratory System/surgery ; Respiratory Tract Fistula/etiology/*therapy ; *Stents ; Treatment Outcome

Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Esophageal Fistula ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Male

Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare and lethal disorder that may result from primary diseases of aorta or esophagus, aortic bypass graft, ingestion of foreign body, trauma, surgical procedure or instrumentation. Tuberculous fistula is extremely rare. We present a 27-yr-old female patient with aortoesophageal fistula associated with tuberculous mediastinitis. The patient experienced massive hematemesis and esophagoscopy revealed a small mucosal defect with exudate-coated blood vessel like Dieulafoy 's lesion on about 25 cm from the incisor teeth. Despite two sessions of endoscopic hemostatic procedures, active massive hemorrhage recurred and was controlled effectively with a prompt insertion of Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The patient underwent open thoracotomy, which revealed aortoesophageal fistula. Numerous white-yellowish, millet seed-like tubercles were scattered in pleural and abdominal cavity. Division of fistular tract and esophageal resection with Ivor-Lewis anastomosis were performed. Histopathologic study confirmed tuberculous pleuritis and peritonitis. The patient died of postoperative pulmonary complication.
Adult ; *Aorta, Thoracic/pathology/surgery ; Aortic Diseases/*etiology/pathology/surgery ; Esophageal Fistula/*etiology/pathology/surgery ; *Esophagus/pathology/surgery ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Hematemesis/etiology/pathology/surgery ; Humans ; Mediastinitis/pathology ; Tuberculosis, Miliary/*complications

OBJECTIVECongenital esophageal stenosis owing to tracheobronchial remnants (TBR) is a rare condition. This study was conducted to understand the clinical features of TBR.

METHODThe data of the four cases with TBR admitted to our hospital and 76 patients identified from the literature were reviewed. The clinical manifestation, X-ray, endoscopy, biopsy and treatment were studied retrospectively.

RESULTOf the total of 80 cases, 45 were male, 33 were female, and for 2 cases the gender was unknown. Symptoms of dysphagia and regurgitation developed at the age of 1-day to 12-month. Definitive treatment was carried out at the age of 1-month to 16-year. Twenty-seven patients had associated anomalies with esophageal atresia being the most prevalent. X-ray esophagography showed segmental stenosis at the distal third of the esophagus in all patients except three. An abrupt narrow segment at the lower esophagus with marked proximal dilatation was found in 32 cases. Esophagography of 12 cases showed distal esophageal stenosis with tapered narrowing. Esophagography of 20 cases showed flask-shaped shadow of distal esophageal stenosis and one patient showed linear projection of barium at the level of stenosis. Endoscopy found almost complete obstruction of the lower esophageal lumen without signs of the esophagitis or reflux. Esophagoscopic dilatation of the stenosis was attempted in 24 cases, but was ineffective, and 3 patients suffered esophageal perforation. Seventy-nine patients underwent resection of the stenotic segment. Histologic examination of the resected specimen showed cartilage, mucus glands, resembling bronchal tissue. Post-operative complication included anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic leakage, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux.

CONCLUSIONTBR should be suspected in patients who present with a typical history of dysphagia after ingestion of solid food. Esophagography and esophagoscopy are the essential means for diagnosis. TBR should be different from achalasia and should be diagnosed by biopsy. Operation is the only choice of treatment.

Anastomosis, Surgical ; Barium Sulfate ; Biopsy ; Child, Preschool ; Choristoma ; complications ; Dilatation ; Esophageal Atresia ; complications ; Esophageal Perforation ; etiology ; Esophageal Stenosis ; congenital ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagoscopy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Tracheoesophageal Fistula ; etiology

Surgery is the primary treatment for esophageal cancer, but the postoperative complication rate remains high. Therefore, it is important to prevent and manage postoperative complications to improve prognosis. Common perioperative complications of esophageal cancer include anastomotic leakage, gastrointestinal tracheal fistula, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Respiratory and circulatory system complications, such as pulmonary infection, are also quite common. These surgery-related complications are independent risk factors for cardiopulmonary complications. Complications, such as long-term anastomotic stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and malnutrition are also common after esophageal cancer surgery. By effectively reducing postoperative complications, the morbidity and mortality of patients can be reduced, and their quality of life can be improved.
Humans ; Quality of Life ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Anastomotic Leak/etiology* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Prognosis ; Esophagectomy/adverse effects* ; Digestive System Fistula/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies