The management of malignant oesophago-airway fistulae

Gastric bypass was performed for eight patients with advanced oesophageal cancer complicated by an established oesophago-airway fistula. There was one operative death. Seven patients could be discharged from hospital with complete relief from aspiration and eating a normal solid diet. The preoperative preparation, anesthetic management and operative technique is described. Gastric bypass is compared to other methods of palliation for malignant oesophago-airway fistulae.