Adult Benign, Non-Iatrogenic Bronchoesophageal Fistulae: Systematic Review and Descriptive Analysis of Individual Patient Data

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult patient

INTRODUCTION

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas are extremely rare. Symptoms may not be detected before treatment or may be seen intermittently until advanced ages. Treatment is surgical closure of the fistula.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 20-year-old female patient with presented complaints of sputum production and cough. A fistula was confirmed between the middle esophagus and the left main bronchus by bronchoscopy. Management is by surgical closure of the fistula via right thoracotomy. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula malformation can cause long-term respiratory symptoms associated with the fistula and loss of lung parenchyma if left untreated.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection-based suture combined with medical adhesive for complicated tuberculous bronchoesophageal fistula: a case report

Tuberculous bronchoesophageal fistula is a rare complication of tuberculosis. Herein, we report the case of a woman in her late 60s with a choking cough for more than 1 month. Iohexol esophagography revealed a fistulous communication between the esophagus and the right principal bronchus, and gastroscopy documented a fistulous orifice in the esophagus. Endoscopic closure with metal clips failed, and other treatment options, such as extended conservative treatment, covered self-expandable metal stents, and over-the-scope clips were rejected by the patient. Therefore, a combined therapy, endoscopic submucosal dissection-based suture combined with medical adhesive, was performed. Follow-up iohexol esophagography and gastroscopy confirmed fistula closure. During 1 year of follow-up after discharge, the bronchoesophageal fistula did not recur. Endoscopic submucosal dissection-based suture combined with medical adhesive appears to be a practical and feasible solution to complicated tuberculous bronchoesophageal fistula.