Successful surgical treatment for aortoenteric fistula after esophagectomy: a case report

An aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a rare and lethal complication of esophagectomy. Fistulas frequently result from problems regarding acute infections or leaks, which are typically evident weeks after the treatment. However, some cases exhibit AEF years after the initial operation. Here, we describe a rare case of AEF caused by chronic friction of the stapler toward the aortic arch, in which stent graft repair and surgery were successful.

A 71-year-old man had undergone esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma and reconstruction with a gastric conduit through the posterior mediastinal route 11 years previously. He visited our outpatient clinic with the chief complaint of hematemesis. However, after arrival, he experienced massive hematemesis and severe shock due to bleeding from an AEF. Endoscopic hemostasis using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube followed by stent graft repair controlled the bleeding. We performed a partial resection of the gastric conduit, including the fistula, followed by digestive reconstruction using a jejunal interposition graft. The patient recovered gradually after receiving intensive care and was discharged 115 days after hospitalization.

We present a rare case of bleeding due to AEF long after esophagectomy, which was successfully treated with endovascular stent graft repair and surgery. Endoscopic hemostasis using a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube followed by stent graft repair was effective.