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Transdiaphragmatic Gastroventricular Fistula
Paul A Carroll1, Aisling Kinsella2, Gail Darling1
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 5, 2018
Summary
Gastrocardiac fistulae, a rare complication after esophagectomy, can be fatal. This case details a transdiaphragmatic fistula between the gastric conduit and the right ventricle and its surgical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cardiology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Esophagectomy with gastric conduit reconstruction is a complex procedure.
- Gastrocardiac fistulae are an exceptionally rare and often fatal complication.
- Diagnosis is frequently delayed, occurring postmortem.
Observation:
- A patient developed a transdiaphragmatic fistula.
- The fistula connected the intraabdominal gastric conduit to the right ventricle.
- This represents a severe, previously undocumented gastrocardiac fistula pathway.
Findings:
- Successful surgical management of a transdiaphragmatic gastrocardiac fistula was achieved.
- The surgical approach involved direct repair and management of the fistula.
- This case highlights the possibility of complex gastrocardiac fistula formation.
Implications:
- Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for survival.
- This case expands the understanding of potential gastrocardiac fistula presentations.
- Further research into preventative strategies and diagnostic modalities is warranted.
