title: Complete healing of tracheoesophageal fistula in a ventilator-dependent patient by conservative treatment.
abstract: Acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare clinical condition with multiple etiologies, although post-intubation injury is the most common cause. TEFs can be fatal if left untreated due to devastating pulmonary complications caused by tracheobronchial contamination and poor nutrition. Herein, we present a case of complete healing of a post-intubation TEF under conservative treatment in a ventilator-dependent patient, and review previous studies regarding the treatment of acquired nonmalignant TEFs.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital Hsin-Chu branch Zhudong, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Wei-Yang
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch Zhudong, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yu-Chi
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chiu
keywords: Nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistula; tracheostomy