Bronchoesophageal Fistula following Radiotherapy: A Case Report

Bronchoesophageal fistulas (BOF) have predominantly been found to result in a decreased quality of life and an increased rate of mortality, particularly due to their severe complications and difficult treatment.

This report discusses the case of a 71-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath and a continuous cough secondary to a fistula between the oesophagus and right bronchus on the background of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This patient was seen by oncologists for the treatment of her lung cancer after right middle and lower lobe lobotomies, which was then treated with radiotherapy. On admission, a computed tomography scan revealed that the patient had a BOF due to therapeutic radiotherapy for SCC. She underwent intervention from the gastrointestinal and respiratory physicians to treat the BOF. Oesophageal stent placement was performed for treatment; however, the BOF remained patent, so a bronchial stent was considered for insertion. While the patient was awaiting the bronchial stent, she died.

This case highlights the complexities and challenges of BOFs, emphasising the need for further research and documentation to improve treatment strategies. More studies are needed to determine when oesophageal stenting is preferred over bronchial stenting and to evaluate the suitability and safety of dual stenting in both the oesophagus and bronchus.