Improved palliation of a respiratory-esophageal fistula with a cuffed esophageal prosthesis.
We report a case in which a traditional prosthesis failed to seal a malignant respiratory-esophageal fistula. Removal of the prosthesis and replacement with a new type with an inflatable cuff provided palliation, and allowed the patient to leave the hospital. The cuffed prosthesis provides a custom fit which should seal fistulous tracts of any shape or size, without causing tissue necrosis.
Smith
J L
JL
Digestive Disease Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Houston, Texas.
Michaletz
P A
PA
Tabibian
N
N
Schwartz
J T
JT
Graham
D Y
DY
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D004944:Esophagoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*