title: Broncho-gastric fistula complicating transthoracic esophagectomy.
abstract: Tracheo-esophageal and broncho-esophageal fistulas are recognized complications in advanced esophageal cancers. The common complications seen after transthoracic esophagectomy include pulmonary complications, anastomotic leaks, gastric stasis, and anastomotic strictures. A broncho-gastric fistula is a very rare complication of transthoracic esophagectomy and has been reported anecdotally in the literature. We report a patient who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy and developed a broncho-gastric fistula caused by a staple from the stomach tube suture line eroding into the right bronchus. Diagnosis was made by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The patient was successfully treated with re-exploratory thoracotomy and closure of the fistula.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Services, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, India. cspramesh@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Pramesh
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Saklani
authors.forename: B V
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Sanghvi
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005747:Gastric Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012086:Reoperation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome