title: [Four cases of tracheoesophageal fistulas in adults in intensive care units].
abstract: Four cases of tracheo-oesophageal fistulae following mechanical ventilation are reported. The determining factors, revealing signs, and palliative and curative treatment are discussed based on a review of the literature. In this series, the tracheotomy cannula provided good protection of the upper airways in three cases of upper fistulae. In the other case, the fistula was too close to the carena, requiring the use of high frequency jet ventilation. The management of low, large fistulae is more problematic concerning the choice of technique and timing of the operation.
authors.affiliation: Département d'Anesthésie Réanimation 1, Hôpital A.-Michalon, Grenoble.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Combes
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fauvage
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Durand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
vernacular_title: Quatre cas de fistules oeso-trachéales chez l'adulte en réanimation.