Thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula in a septuagenarian

Abstract

We report the case of a 79-year-old female with clinical and radiographic evidence of congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula. Past medical history included recurrent pneumonia and episodic cough with food or fluid intake. She exhibited Ohno's sign during the dysphagia evaluation. A video swallow study demonstrated evidence of aspiration. Esophagogram and bronchoscopy identified the fistulous tract. Repair of the anomaly was performed using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach. In our experience, excellent visualization and magnification of the anatomic field with use of thoracoscopy allowed for relative ease of dissection and resection of the tract with minimal postoperative morbidity.