Related Experiment Videos
Palliative Management of Malignant Esophago-Tracheobronchial Fistula Using Covered Self-Expandable Metallic Stents: A
Keisuke Eguchi1, Takahiro Nakajima2, Takeshi Terashima2
1Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Background:
Malignant esophago-tracheobronchial fistula (ETBF) is a devastating complication of thoracic malignancies, especially advanced esophageal cancer. Covered self-expandable metallic stents (CSMSs) have emerged as a minimally invasive palliative option.
Methods:
Between May 2015 and June 2021, seven patients with malignant ETBF (five men and two women; mean age 63 ± 5.8 years) underwent CSMS placement at our institution. Primary diseases included five esophageal cancers and two metastatic mediastinal carcinomas. Clinical characteristics, technical success, complications, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.
Results:
No intraoperative mortality occurred. All patients experienced improvement in dysphagia and/or airway aspiration, allowing resumption of oral intake, which was maintained for a median of 62 days (range, 10-124 days). Median post-stenting survival was 104 days (range, 14-250 days).
Conclusion:
CSMS placement is a safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant ETBF, preventing aspiration pneumonia and restoring oral intake, thereby supporting home-based care.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...