[Benign esophagotracheobronchial fistulas in adults]

Oeso-tracheal-bronchial fistulas are rare in adults and their precise etiology is often difficult to determine, apart from the traumatic causes. Their diagnosis, based on symptoms, is confirmed by tracheal, bronchial and esophageal endoscopy, esophageal opacification and esophageal cineradiography. Treatment should permit one to avoid progressive pulmonary deterioration. Fatal accidents of bronchial inudation are rare but have been observed, especially in tracheotomised subjects. Surgical cure is possible and should be carried out under conditions of security which are defined here. In cases of irreversible pulmonary damage, one should carry out during the same stage, resection of part of the lung. Whereas the prognosis of fistulas after tracheotomy or intubation is always reserved, that of primary fistulas is good, providing the surgical cure is carried out early.