Gastrobronchial Fistula Repair
Followed by Esophageal Leak -
Rescue by Transesophageal Drainage of the Pleural Cavity

Abstract

A gastrobronchial fistula (GBF) associated with bilateral aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed six years after an esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. After failed surgical repair, an uncontained esophagopleural leak developed. Fistula closure was attempted by implanting a Wilson-Cook endoprosthesis, which quickly became dislodged. Transesophageal drainage was positioned endoscopically through the suture-line defect and led to closure of the leak after 10 days.

Key words

Gastrobronchial fistula - Esophagopleural leak - Cancer of the esophagus

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Correspondence