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Review
. 2014 May;6 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):S364-71.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2014.03.32.

Managing complications II: conduit failure and conduit airway fistulas

Shari L Meyerson  1 , Christopher K Mehta  1
Affiliations
Review

Managing complications II: conduit failure and conduit airway fistulas

Shari L Meyerson et al. J Thorac Dis. 2014 May.

Abstract

Conduit failure and conduit airway fistula are rare complications after esophagectomy, however they can be catastrophic resulting in high mortality. Survivors can expect a prolonged hospital course with multiple interventions and an extended period of time prior to being able to resume oral nutrition. High index of suspicion can aid in early diagnosis. Conduit failure usually requires a period of proximal esophageal diversion and staged reconstruction. Conduit airway fistulas may be amenable to endoscopic repair but this has a high failure rate and many patients will require surgical repair with closure of the fistula and interposition of vascularized tissue to minimize recurrence.

Keywords: Esophageal cancer; complications; fistula.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CT scan demonstrating a posterior fistula from the membranous trachea to the cervical anastomosis after transhiatal esophagectomy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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