Stenting for cervical tracheo-esophageal malignant fistula: a case report

Esophago-respiratory neoplastic fistulas present serious problems of management, mostly because of the severe status of the patient. The authors present the case of a 49-year-old patient with a malignant eso-tracheal fistula manifesting as mild dysphagia and dyspnoea. An endoscopic palliative treatment of the fistula was performed introducing a metallic coated stent into the esophagus. The multiple stent displacement required a definitive, very high positioning of the stent in the lower pharynx, with significant discomfort. Severe respiratory conditions regressed and the patient survived 6 months after the initial placement. The authors suggest endoscopic palliation with esophageal prosthesis as the therapeutic choice in those cases not amenable to surgery.