[Long-term management of tracheoesophageal fistula--successful control by esophageal segmentation and stomach...

Following amniotic embolism a severe ARDS developed in a 21 year-old women. After two months of respirator therapy a giant tracheoesophageal fistula arose. Successful conservative treatment allowed recovery and weaning from the respirator. Our two step surgical management consisted of esophageal diversion and reconstruction of the intestinal passage by retrosternal gastric tube. The advantages and disadvantages of esophageal diversion in giant tracheoesophageal fistulas are discussed.