title: Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula.
abstract: Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare clinical entity and a difficult problem to diagnose and manage. We report a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with a tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to prolonged intubation. The diagnosis was delayed for a year, hence her mild symptoms; cough and dysphagia mainly to liquids. These symptoms were thought to be side effects of her psychiatric medications especially that she had a buccal and lingual dyskinesia. She later had a trial of conservative treatment that failed and then she underwent surgical resection of the fistula and interposition of a muscle flap. Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula is a preventable disease in intubated patient if some measures are taken, but even with the use of the newer endotracheal tubes (high-volume, low-pressure cuffs) this complication can still occur. The surgical treatment remains the best option.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery Division, St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. moussaabighanem@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Moussa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abi Ghanem
authors.forename: Eid
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Azar
authors.forename: Bassam
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abu Khalil
mesh_terms: D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery