Non-malignant tracheo-gastric fistula following esophagectomy for cancer

Two cases of neoesophago-tracheal fistula are described. After esophagectom y for cancer a fistula developed between the trachea and the pulled-up stom ach probably because of the ischaemic effect of the tracheostomy tube. At s ingle stage repairs, the fistulae were divided and the gastric defects were closed directly. In one case, tracheal resection and anastomosis was neces sary. The defect on the membranous trachea in both cases was patched with a n autologous fascia lata graft. A left pectoralis major muscle flap was int erposed between the suture lines to prevent recurrence of the fistula. Trea tment of this potentially life-threatening and rare condition yielded excel lent results. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.