Long-term results of surgical treatment in benign bronchoesophageal fistula.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Benign bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare complication resulting from various diseases. The objectives of the study are to report our surgical experience in patients with benign bronchoesophageal fistulas and to evaluate the long-term results of surgical management.

METHODS:

Between 1995 and 2005, a total of 14 patients (mean age, 52.5 years; male/female = 6:8) underwent operations for benign bronchoesophageal fistulas. The etiology of the fistulas included traction esophageal diverticula in 7 patients and tuberculous lymphadenopathy in 6. Primary repair of the fistula was performed in all patients and a concomitant lobectomy in 6.

RESULTS:

There was no in-hospital mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (empyema resulting from a leakage at the repair site). Postoperative esophagography revealed a leakage at the repair site in 1 patient. There was 1 late death with a mean follow-up of 43.9 months. The cause of death was aspiration pneumonia resulting from recurrent fistula. Two of 8 patients who did not undergo a lobectomy had persistent bronchiectasis, whereas none of those who underwent a concomitant lobectomy had any recurrent pneumonia or bronchiectasis. The overall survival was 100% at 5 years and the mean survival time was 124 months (95% confidence interval, 106.5-142.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude from these data that early detection and definitive surgical repair of benign bronchoesophageal fistulas can yield high success rates with excellent early outcomes and good long-term results.

• Authors: Hong Kwan Kim, Yong Soo Choi, Kwhanmien Kim, Jhingook Kim, Young Mog Shim
• Journal: The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg) Vol. 134 Issue 2 Pg. 411-4 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 1097-685X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17662781 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bronchial Fistula (surgery)
• Bronchoscopy
• Esophageal Fistula (surgery)
• Esophagoscopy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Survival Rate
• Treatment Outcome