Long-term results of surgical treatment in benign bronchoesophageal fistula.
OBJECTIVE
Benign bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare complication resulting from various diseases. The objectives of the study are to report our surgical experience in patients with benign bronchoesophageal fistulas and to evaluate the long-term results of surgical management.


METHODS
Between 1995 and 2005, a total of 14 patients (mean age, 52.5 years; male/female = 6:8) underwent operations for benign bronchoesophageal fistulas. The etiology of the fistulas included traction esophageal diverticula in 7 patients and tuberculous lymphadenopathy in 6. Primary repair of the fistula was performed in all patients and a concomitant lobectomy in 6.


RESULTS
There was no in-hospital mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (empyema resulting from a leakage at the repair site). Postoperative esophagography revealed a leakage at the repair site in 1 patient. There was 1 late death with a mean follow-up of 43.9 months. The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia resulting from recurrent fistula. Two of 8 patients who did not undergo a lobectomy had persistent bronchiectasis, whereas none of those who underwent a concomitant lobectomy had any recurrent pneumonia or bronchiectasis. The overall survival was 100% at 5 years and the mean survival time was 124 months (95% confidence interval, 106.5-142.2 months).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude from these data that early detection and definitive surgical repair of benign bronchoesophageal fistulas can yield high success rates with excellent early outcomes and good long-term results.
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Hong Kwan
HK
Kim
Yong Soo
YS
Choi
Kwhanmien
K
Kim
Jhingook
J
Kim
Young Mog
YM
Shim
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome