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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Bronchoesophageal-spinal fistula development in a patient with thyroid cancer
Andrew Zhu1, Leon L Chen1, Jing Tao1
1Critical Care Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Abstract:
Concurrent bronchoesophageal fistulas (BEF) and spinal-esophageal fistulas (SEF) are exceedingly rare complications of esophageal perforation, particularly in cancer patients undergoing multimodal therapies. This report describes a patient with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer who developed BEF and SEF following thyroidectomy, radiotherapy, and systemic antineoplastic therapies. Despite multiple interventions, including esophageal stenting, nutritional support, and antifungal therapy, the patient's condition deteriorated due to recurrent infections and progressive organ dysfunction. This case highlights the complex interplay between oncologic treatments and their complications, underscoring the need for early recognition, multidisciplinary management, and novel therapeutic strategies for high-risk patients.
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