Repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula

Acquired non-malignant tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) most commonly develops after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy. It may also develop after trauma, oesophagectomy, laryngectomy and other disparate conditions. TOF leads to respiratory compromise secondary to chronic aspiration and pulmonary sepsis. Difficulty with oral intake usually leads to nutritional compromise. After diagnosis, the goals are to eliminate or reduce ongoing pulmonary contamination and to restore proper nutrition. Operative repair of benign TOF is generally performed through a cervical approach. The majority of patients require tracheal resection and reconstruction to address concomitant tracheal or laryngotracheal stenosis. Muscle flap interposition between tracheal and oesophageal repairs reduces the risk of fistula recurrence. Operative repair of the fistula is associated with generally good outcomes with a minimal risk of mortality.