Tracheoplasty in a large tracheoesophageal fistula

Postintubation tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are severe lesions that ca n be associated with tracheal stenosis and therapeutic difficulties. A case is reported of a woman with TEF and postintubation tracheal stenosis with 6.5 cm of affected trachea, and total esophageal exclusion. A tracheoplasty method is described patching the loss of the tracheal membranous wall with the posterior esophageal wall. In a final step, a self-expanded tracheal s tent and esophagocolic bypass were added. (Ann Thorac Surg 1999;68:1071-2) (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.