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