TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA AFTER BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA

Tracheoesophageal fistula is a very rare but potentially life-threaten ing complication of blunt chest trauma. Prior reviews have revealed th at the victims were all young men involved in deceleration or crush in juries. Of those involved in motor vehicle accidents, most were thrown against the steering wheel. Herein, we review the world literature on this injury and include our own report of 1 of the few cases of traum atic tracheoesophageal fistula involving a female victim. In this case , the victim was an unrestrained driver thrown against an air bag.