Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Management of Malignant Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Shamji, Farid M.; Inculet, Richard
Journal: THORACIC SURGERY CLINICS Volume 28 Issue 3
Date of Publication:2018
Abstract:
When a malignant fistula develops between the esophagus and trachea, the underlying cancer is invariably incurable whether the primary site is in the esophagus or in the trachea. The frequent complication of this fistula is nonresolving aspiration pneumonia, either from ingestion or from backward flow of gastric contents into the esophagus. Pulmonary sepsis causes fatality in about 6 to 12 weeks if aspiration through the fistula is not treated quickly. The fistula develops in untreated esophageal cancer in approximately 5% to 15% of cases, lung cancer in less than 1% of cases, and tracheal cancer in 14.75% of cases.