title: A new technique to repair huge tracheo-gastric fistula following esophagectomy.
abstract: We reported the management of a life-threatening condition as a large tracheo-gastric fistula involved the carina, the left and the right bronchus that complicated Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer. An urgent right thoracotomy was performed and the tracheal defect was covered with a reversed pedicled pericardial patch reinforced with an intercostal muscle flap. Cervical esophagostomy and a feeding jejunostomy completed the operation. Five months later, the continuity of gastrointestinal tract was restored using a transverse colon.
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, Mediterraneo Oncological Hospital, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco Paolo
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Caronia
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Alfonso
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiorelli
authors.affiliation: Thoracic Surgery Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santini
authors.affiliation: General Surgery Unit, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alfano
authors.affiliation: Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Castorina
keywords: Tracheo-gastric fistula; esophageal cancer; esophagectomy