Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
11:17
Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Bronchoesophageal fistula
Emine Argüder1, Gökhan Aykun, Ayşegül Karalezli
1Ankara Atatürk Education and Research Hospital, Department of Chest Diseases, Ankara, Turkey. drgullu2000@gmail.com
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) is a dangerous complication of esophageal cancer, often leading to severe infections. This case highlights a unique BEF presentation causing airway obstruction, previously unreported in medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) is a known complication of esophageal cancer, affecting 5-15% of patients.
- BEF is a life-threatening condition, often leading to recurrent pulmonary infections and sepsis.
Observation:
- A rare case of acquired BEF in a patient with esophageal cancer was observed.
- The fistula involved herniation of the esophageal wall into the endobronchial lumen.
Findings:
- The herniated esophageal wall caused significant obstruction of the airway lumen.
- This specific mechanism of airway obstruction by BEF is a novel finding.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of BEF presentations and complications.
- Recognizing this unique obstruction pattern is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of esophageal cancer patients with BEF.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:30Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...