Hemorragia digestiva masiva por fístulas secundarias de grandes vasos al tracto digestivo / Massive digestive hemorrhage from secondary fistulas of great vessels to the digestive tract

RESUMEN La formación de una fístula entre arterias de gran calibre y el tubo digestivo es una complicación infrecuente de la cirugía reconstructiva de los grandes vasos sanguíneos secundario al uso de prótesis vasculares, los cuales se manifiestan con hemorragias masivas con elevada mortalidad. Presentamos dos casos de fístula aorto-entérico y de fístula carotideo-esofágico que comparten características comunes como la manifestación clínica de hemorragia digestiva masiva y mortal en pacientes con antecedentes de colocación de prótesis vasculares.

ABSTRACT The formation of a fistula between large caliber arteries and the digestive tract is an uncommon complication of reconstructive surgery of the large vessels secondary to the use of vascular prostheses, which manifest themselves with massive hemorrhages with high mortality. We report two cases of aorto-enteric fistula and carotid-esophageal fistula that share common characteristics such as the clinical manifestation of massive and fatal gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of vascular prosthesis placement.

Simplified method for esophagus protection during radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation - prospective study of 704 cases / Método simplificado para proteção do esôfago durante a ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial - estudo prospectivo de 704 casos

Abstract Introduction: Although rare, the atrioesophageal fistula is one of the most feared complications in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation due to the high risk of mortality. Objective: This is a prospective controlled study, performed during regular radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, to test whether esophageal displacement by handling the transesophageal echocardiography transducer could be used for esophageal protection. Methods: Seven hundred and four patients (158 F/546M [22.4%/77.6%]; 52.8±14 [17-84] years old), with mean EF of 0.66±0.8 and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation were submitted to hybrid radiofrequency catheter ablation (conventional pulmonary vein isolation plus AF-Nests and background tachycardia ablation) with displacement of the esophagus as far as possible from the radiofrequency target by transesophageal echocardiography transducer handling. The esophageal luminal temperature was monitored without and with displacement in 25 patients. Results: The mean esophageal displacement was 4 to 9.1cm (5.9±0.8 cm). In 680 of the 704 patients (96.6%), it was enough to allow complete and safe radiofrequency delivery (30W/40ºC/irrigated catheter or 50W/60ºC/8 mm catheter) without esophagus overlapping. The mean esophageal luminal temperature changes with versus without esophageal displacement were 0.11±0.13ºC versus 1.1±0.4ºC respectively, P<0.01. The radiofrequency had to be halted in 68% of the patients without esophageal displacement because of esophageal luminal temperature increase. There was no incidence of atrioesophageal fistula suspected or confirmed. Only two superficial bleeding caused by transesophageal echocardiography transducer insertion were observed. Conclusion: Mechanical esophageal displacement by transesophageal echocardiography transducer during radiofrequency catheter ablation was able to prevent a rise in esophageal luminal temperature, helping to avoid ...

Resumo Introdução: Apesar de rara, a fístula átrio-esofágica é uma das complicações mais temidas na ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial pelo alto risco de mortalidade. Objetivo: Este é um estudo prospectivo controlado, realizado durante a ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial regular, para testar se o deslocamento do esôfago ao manipular o transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica poderia ser usado para a proteção de esôfago. Métodos: Setecentos e quatro pacientes (158 mulheres e 546 homens [22,4%/77,6%]; 52,8±14 [17-84] anos), com EF média igual a 0,66±0,8 e com fibrilação atrial refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso, foram submetidos à terapia híbrida com ablação por radiofrequência (isolamento convencional das veias pulmonares e ninhos de fibrilação atrial e ablação de taquicardia de background) com deslocamento do esôfago o mais longe possível do alvo da radiofrequência por manuseio do transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica. A temperatura luminal esofágica foi monitorada com e sem deslocamento em 25 pacientes. Resultados: O deslocamento esofágico significativo foi de 4 a 9,1 centímetros (5,9±0,8 cm). Em 680 dos 704 pacientes (96,6%), isso foi o suficiente para permitir a entrega completa e segura de radiofrequência (30W/40ºC/cateter irrigado ou 50W/60ºC/cateter de 8 milímetros) sem sobreposição do esôfago. As alterações médias de temperatura luminal esofágica com e sem deslocamento de esôfago foram de 0,11±0,13ºC versus 1,1±0,4ºC, respectivamente, P<0,01. A radiofrequência teve que ser interrompida em 68% dos pacientes sem deslocamento de esôfago devido ao aumento da temperatura luminal esofágica. Não houve nenhum caso, suspeito ou confirmado, de fístula átrio-esofágica. Foram observados apenas dois sangramentos superficiais causados por inserção do transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica. Conclusão: O deslocamento mecânico do esôfago pelo transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágico durante ...

Two-stage Surgery for an Aortoesophageal Fistula Caused by Tuberculous Esophagitis

An aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare, potentially fatal condition, and aortic surgery is usually performed together with extracorporeal circulation. However, this surgical method has a high rate of surgical complications and mortality. This report describes an AEF caused by tuberculous esophagitis that was treated successfully using a two-stage operation. A 52-yr-old man was admitted to the hospital with severe hematemesis and syncope. Based on the computed tomography and diagnostic endoscopic findings, he was diagnosed with an AEF and initially underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Esophageal reconstruction was performed after controlling the mediastinal inflammation. The patient suffered postoperative anastomotic leakage, which was treated by an endoscopic procedure, and the patient was discharged without any further problems. The patient received 9 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment after he was diagnosed with histologically confirmed tuberculous esophagitis; subsequently, he was followed as an outpatient and has had no recurrence of the tuberculosis or any further issues.

Tratamiento endovascular de fístula aorto esofágica secundaria a cáncer de esófago: Caso clínico / Endovascular treatment of aorto-esophageal fistula due to esophageal cancer: Report of one case

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can spread locally to neighboring organs in the mediastinum. When it invades the aorta, the patient may develop an aorto esophageal fistula (AEF), complication that carries a high mortality rate. We report a 62-year-old male with stage IV esophageal carcinoma who, after chemo radiation treatment, developed an AEF. He was successfully treated with the use of an aortic endograft. The patient died 13 months later due to progression of his cancer, without evidence of sepsis or new bleeding episodes.

Prótesis Choostent como método de paliación de la disfagia secundaria a patología maligna / Use of Choostent prosthetic device for palliation of dysphagia secondary to esophageal cancer

Background: Esophageal cancer causes disabling dysphagia and swallowing problems. Aim: To prospectively analyze the outcome of the insertion of a covered self-expanding metallic Choostent type prosthesis as a method of palliation of dysphagia, esophageal fistula or leak secondary to malignant disease of the esophagus or cardia. Material and Methods: A total of 30 consecutive patients aged 75 +/- 8.8 years (63 percent males) with malignant disease of the esophagus or cardia were studied. Results: In 27 patients (90 percent) the stenosis was located in the esophagus, in two (6.7 percent) at the gastroesophageal junction and in one (3.3 percent) at the esophago - jejunal anastomosis due to tumor recurrence. In 24 cases (80 percent), the indication of the prosthesis was dysphagia, in three (10 percent) the presence of a tracheo-esophageal fistula and in the remaining three (10 percent), the suspicion of a perforation. Patients were followed until death. The prosthesis was inserted without incidents in 29 patients (96.6 percent). One patient had a pneumomediastinum, which evolved favorably. Dysphagia subsided in all patients. Early evolution was satisfactory in 12 patients (66.7 percent). The most common early complication was a transient chest pain in 3 cases (10 percent). Four patients (13.3 percent) died within 30 days post procedure. Of the remaining 26 patients, 14 (53.8 percent) had late complications (recurrence of dysphagia in 42 percent and hemorrhage in 11 percent). The mean interval between stent insertion and death was 169 +/- 142.5 days. Conclusions: The Choostent esophageal prosthesis improves dysphagia immediately and safely. However, its use is associated with a high rate of late complications, directly related to prosthetic dysfunction.

Objetivo: Analizar en forma prospectiva los resultados de la inserción de una prótesis metálica autoexpandible cubierta tipo Choostent como método de paliación de la disfagia, fístulas o fugas esofágicas secundarias a patología maligna del esófago o cardias. Material y Método: Se estudiaron un total de 30 pacientes consecutivos portadores de patología maligna del esófago o de cardias. La edad promedio fue de 75 +/- 8,8 años. 19 (63,3 por ciento) eran del género masculino. En 27 pacientes (90 por ciento) la estenosis comprometía el esófago, en 2 (6,7 por ciento) la unión gastroesofágica y en 1 (3,3 por ciento) la anastomosis esófago yeyunal por recidiva tumoral. En 24/30 casos (80 por ciento), la indicación de la prótesis fue la disfagia, en 3 (10 por ciento) la presencia de fístula esófago-traqueal y en los 3 restantes (10 por ciento), la sospecha de perforación. Los pacientes fueron controlados hasta su fallecimiento. Resultados: La prótesis se insertó sin incidentes en 29/30 pacientes (96,7 por ciento). Un caso (3 por ciento) presentó neumo-mediastino, que evolucionó favorablemente. La disfagia cedió en la totalidad de los enfermos. La evolución precoz fue satisfactoria en 12/30 pacientes (40 por ciento), siendo la complicación precoz más frecuente el dolor torácico transitorio en 3 casos (10 por ciento). Fallecieron precozmente 4 enfermos (13,3 por ciento). De los 26 restantes, en 14 (53,8 por ciento) se presentaron complicaciones tardías, siendo las más frecuentes la recidiva de la disfagia (42,3 por ciento) y la hemorragia (11,5 por ciento). Conclusión: Las prótesis Choostent mejoran la disfagia en forma inmediata y segura. Son efectivas en el manejo de las fístulas traqueo-esofágicas y perforaciones. Sin embargo, su uso se asocia a una alta tasa de morbilidad tardía directamente relacionada a la disfunción protésica.

Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination after esophagectomy / Anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação após esofagectomia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of fistula and stenosis of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump into the stomach after subtotal esophagectomy. METHODS: We studied 54 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy, 45 (83.3%) patients with carcinoma and nine (16.6%) with advanced megaesophagus. In all cases the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was performed with the invagination of the proximal esophageal stump inside the stomach. RESULTS: Three (5.5%) patients had a fistula at the esophagogastric anastomosis, two of whom with minimal leakage of air or saliva and with mild clinical repercussion; the third had a low output fistula that drained into the pleural space, and this patient developed empyema that showed good progress with drainage. Fibrotic stenosis of anastomosis occurred in thirteen (24%) subjects and was treated successfully with endoscopic dilatation. CONCLUSION: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump into the stomach tube presented a low rate of esophagogastric fistula and stenosis, thus becoming an attractive option for the reconstruction of alimentary transit after subtotal esophagectomy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de fístula e estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago após esofagectomia subtotal. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 54 pacientes submetidos à esofagectomia subtotal, 45 (83,3%) com carcinoma e nove (16,6%) com megaesôfago chagásico avançado. Em todos os casos, a anastomose esofagogástrica cervical foi realizada com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago. RESULTADOS: Três (5,5%) pacientes apresentaram fístula, dois deles com saída mínima de ar e saliva pela incisão cervical que evoluíram com rápida cicatrização; o terceiro apresentou fístula de pequeno débito que drenou para o espaço pleural causando empiema que teve boa evolução após drenagem. Treze (24%) doentes apresentaram estenose fibrótica e foram tratados com sucesso com dilatação endoscópica. CONCLUSÃO: A anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago apresentou baixa incidência de fístula e estenose tornando-se opção atraente para a reconstrução do trânsito alimentar após esofagectomia subtotal.

Fístula esofágica después de cirugía espinal / Esophageal fistula after spinal surgery

En los últimos años, debido al auge que ha tenido la cirugía espinal por vía cervical anterior, se ha observado un incremento en los traumatismos esofágicos después de estos procederes. Existen 2 escenarios clínicos diferentes: la lesión directa transoperatoria, y la presentación tardía por mecanismos de tracción fricción causado por el material de osteosíntesis empleado. A partir del paciente descrito, se exponen las conductas a seguir para cada caso, y se destacan las singularidades del tratamiento quirúrgico, con rafia esofágica y reforzamiento de la sutura con colgajos musculares. El objetivo inicial de la intervención, que es la estabilización espinal, tampoco debe ser descuidado. Se concluye que, por la presentación tardía de lesiones después de cirugía espinal, se necesita de un seguimiento cuidadoso a largo plazo para la detección y tratamiento precoz de estas complicaciones, además de la necesidad del concurso de varias especialidades para la solución exitosa de estas contingencias(AU)

In past years, due to the boom of spinal surgery by an anterior cervical route, there has been an increment of esophageal traumata after these procedures. There are two different clinical scenarios: the transoperative direct injury and the late presentation by friction traction mechanisms caused by the osteosynthesis used. From the described patient the behaviors to be followed for each case are exposed emphasizing the peculiarities of surgical treatment using esophageal raphe and reinforcement of suture with tissue flaps. The intervention's initial objective, the spinal stabilization, must to take into account. We conclude that due to late presentation of the injuries after spinal surgery, it is necessary to be long-term careful for a early detection and treatment of these complications in addition to the need of the involvement of some specialties to achieve a successful solution of these eventualities(AU)

Endoprótesis recubierta en el manejo de la fístula cervical tras esofaguectomía / Covered stent in the management of cervical anastomotic leaks after esophaguectomy

Small cervical esophageal anastomotic leaks are usually treated conservatively, with considerable delays to oral feeding and a prolonged hospital stay. Self-expanding covered stents endoscopically placed are suggested as an alternative treatment. We report our hospital experience with covered stents, with good functional results but also potential morbidity.

La fístula anastomótica esofágica cervical suele manejarse de forma conservadora, lo que retrasa el inicio de la alimentación oral y prolonga la estancia hospitalaria. El uso de endoprótesis recubiertas colocadas vía endoscópica se utiliza como una alternativa para evitar esta situación. Presentamos dos casos manejados con endoprótesis recubierta, con adecuado funcionamiento pero no exenta de morbilidad.

Fístula faringoesofágica tras paratiroidectomía por abordaje mínimamente invasivo / Pharyngoesophageal fistula after minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Introduction: Focused lateral approach is widely accepted for the surgery of solitary parathyroid adenomas, because it is a minimally invasive approach and its aesthetic advantages. Notwithstanding, when the pathlogical gland is not easily recognized, this approach difficults the search and makes more susceptible for iatrogenic lesions. Sometimes, PTH levels do not decrease up to 75 percent of initial values 15 minutes after the gland resection; a smaller decreasement do not exelude that the pathological gland has been already resected. Case report: A 69-years old man underwent a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Surgical act is complex, because of a difficult identification of the gland. In the postoperative course, the patient developed a pharyngoesophageal fístula that was successfully managed with a conservative approach.

Introducción: El abordaje unilateral en la cirugía del adenoma solitario de paratiroides está ampliamente aceptado por sus ventajas estéticas y ser un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo. Sin embargo, cuando la glándula patológica no es fácilmente detectada, dificulta mucho su búsqueda y facilita la iatrogenia. En ocasiones, los niveles de PTH no descienden al 75 por ciento del valor inicial 15 minutos después de la paratiroidectomía; un descenso menor del 75 por ciento no excluye que la glándula patológica haya sido extirpada. Caso clínico: Varón de 69 años es sometido a paratiroidectomía a través de un abordaje mínimamente invasivo. La cirugía es compleja y prolongada al no identificarse fácilmente la glándula paratiroides. En el postoperatorio el paciente presenta una fístula faringoesofágica que se se maneja satisfactoriamente de forma conservadora.

Interventional Management of Esophagorespiratory Fistula

An esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) is an often fatal consequence of esophageal or bronchogenic carcinomas. The preferred treatment is placement of esophageal and/or airway stents. Stent placement must be performed as quickly as possible since patients with ERFs are at a high risk for aspiration pneumonia. In this review, choice of stents and stenting area, fistula reopening and its management, and the long-term outcome in the interventional management of malignant ERFs are considered. Lastly, a review of esophagopulmonary fistulas will also be provided.

Estudo comparativo entre as anastomoses cervicais esofagogástrica término-terminal com e sem invaginação após esofagectomia para câncer / Comparative study of end-to-end cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with or without invagination after esophagectomy for cancer

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de fístula e estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico no interior do estômago na esofagectomia para tratamento do carcinoma do esôfago. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados dois grupos de doentes com carcinoma do esôfago torácico ou abdominal submetidos à esofagectomia subtotal e esofagogastroplastia. O grupo I (estudo) foi constituído por 29 doentes operados no período de 1998 a 2007, no qual foi realizada a anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação de segmento do coto esofágico no interior do estômago. O grupo II (controle) foi constituído por 36 doentes operados no período de 1989 a 1997 submetidos à anastomose esfagogástrica cervical término-terminal sem invaginação. RESULTADOS: No grupo I, 3 (10,3 por cento) doentes apresentaram fístula da anastomose esofagogástrica com repercussão clínica mínima. No grupo II observou-se fístula com franca saída de saliva em 11 (30,5 por cento) doentes. A freqüência de fístula nos doentes do grupo I foi significantemente menor (p=0,04) do que nos do grupo II. No grupo I, estenose fibrótica da anastomose ocorreu em 7 (24,1 por cento) enfermos, ao passo que no grupo II 10 (27,7 por cento) evoluíram com estenose, não se constatando diferença significante (p=0,72) entre esses grupos. CONCLUSÃO: No tratamento do carcinoma do esôfago, a esofagectomia com anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico no interior do estômago determina menor ocorrência de fístula esofagogástrica quando comparado à anastomose sem invaginação. A incidência de estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica não diferiu em ambos os grupos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of fistula and stenosis of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the esophageal stump into the gastric tube in esophagectomy for esophagus cancer. METHODS: Two groups of patients with thoracic and abdominal esophagus cancer undergoing esophagectomy and esophagogastroplasty were studied. Group I comprised 29 patients who underwent cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump segment within the stomach, in the period of 1998 to 2007 while Group II was composed of 36 patients submitted to end-to-end cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis without invagination during the period of 1989 to 1997. RESULTS: In Group I, esophagogastric anastomosis by invagination presented fistula with mild clinical implications in 3 (10.3 percent) patients, whereas in Group II, fistulas with heavy saliva leaks were observed in 11 (30.5 percent) patients. The frequency of fistulas was significantly lower in Group I patients (p=0.04) than in Group II. In Group I, fibrotic stenosis of anastomoses occurred in 7 (24.1 percent) subjects, and 10 patients (27.7 percent) in Group II evolved with stenosis, while no significant difference (p=0.72) was found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In esophagectomy for esophagus cancer, cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination presented a lower rate of esophagogastric fistula versus anastomosis without invagination. Stenosis rates in esophagogastric anastomosis proved similar in both approach with or without invagination.

Aneurisma de aorta com ruptura para esôfago / Aortic aneurysm rupture into the esophagus

Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente portadora de aneurisma de aorta descendente com ruptura para o esôfago que, após aortoplastia com interposição de tubo de dacron e rafia da laceração esofágica, evoluiu com fístula esôfago pleural no terceiro dia pós-operatório. A paciente necessitou de reintervenção e cuidados intensivos, reabilitando-se adequadamente. A propósito deste caso incomum e do aprendizado adquirido no seu manejo, revisamos a literatura a fim de discutir a melhor alternativa de correção desta rara e, freqüentemente, fatal forma de apresentação das doenças da aorta.

We present the case of a patient with a descending aorta aneurysm rupture into the esophagus, which, after aortoplasty with Dacron tube interposition and suture of esophageal laceration, developed a pleural-esophagus fistula on the 3rd postoperative day. She needed re-intervention and intensive care, followed by adequate recovery. Considering this unusual case and the knowledge acquired through its management, we reviewed the literature in order to discuss the best alternative for the correction of this rare and often fatal form of presentation of aortic diseases.

Impacto de la esófagoyeyunoanastomosis mecánica en la gastrectomía total / Esophagojejunostomy in the radical gastrectomy

Introducción: El cáncer gástrico, es la principal causa de mortalidad masculina por cáncer en Chile. Su tratamiento, la gastrectomía total radical, se ha visto revolucionada por la introducción de la sutura mecánica, que supone disminuye la morbimortalidad y tiempo operatorio. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo. Se revisaron todas las gastrectomías totales por cáncer gástrico con sutura mecánica, realizadas en el Hospital Regional de Valdivia y se compararon con igual número realizadas con sutura manual, mediante análisis estadístico por software STATA 10.0. Resultados: Se recolectaron 45 casos, 21 con sutura manual y 24 con sutura mecánica. La edad promedio fue de 61 años para cada grupo. El sexo predominante fue el masculino. La frecuencia de fístulas de la anastomosis esofagoyeyunal fue igual en ambos grupos. Tanto el tiempo operatorio como la estadía postoperatoria también fueron similares. Conclusión: La introducción de la sutura mecánica en la anastomosis esofagoyeyunal, no ha producido un impacto importante en el descenso de la morbilidad, incluyendo la fistula anastomótica; como tampoco en la mortalidad ni en el tiempo operatorio.

Fístula aortoesofágica: hemorragia digestiva alta exanguinante: a propósito de un caso / A case of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrage as a consequence of an a orto-esophageal fistula

Presentamos el caso de un varón de 70 años que sufrió una hemorragia digestiva alta exanguinante, con resultado final de muerte. Fue diagnosticada una fístula aorto-esofágica mediante escáner como causante de la misma, debida con alta probabilidad a una espina de pescado.

We report a case of a 70 old man, who suffered a severe upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage, with final result of death. A scanner diagnosed an aortoesophageal fistula, due with high probability to a fish thorn.

Aortoesophageal Fistula Associated with Tuberculous Mediastinitis, Mimicking Esophageal Dieulafoy's Disease

Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare and lethal disorder that may result from primary diseases of aorta or esophagus, aortic bypass graft, ingestion of foreign body, trauma, surgical procedure or instrumentation. Tuberculous fistula is extremely rare. We present a 27-yr-old female patient with aortoesophageal fistula associated with tuberculous mediastinitis. The patient experienced massive hematemesis and esophagoscopy revealed a small mucosal defect with exudate-coated blood vessel like Dieulafoy 's lesion on about 25 cm from the incisor teeth. Despite two sessions of endoscopic hemostatic procedures, active massive hemorrhage recurred and was controlled effectively with a prompt insertion of Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The patient underwent open thoracotomy, which revealed aortoesophageal fistula. Numerous white-yellowish, millet seed-like tubercles were scattered in pleural and abdominal cavity. Division of fistular tract and esophageal resection with Ivor-Lewis anastomosis were performed. Histopathologic study confirmed tuberculous pleuritis and peritonitis. The patient died of postoperative pulmonary complication.

Complicaciones de la anastomosis esofagogástrica cervical: estudio retrospectivo de 100 casos consecutivos / Complications of the cervical esophageal anastomosis: retrospective study of 100 cases

La fístula de la anastomosis esofagogástrica cervical que se realiza para la reconstrucción esofágica, es un problema serio y su etiopatogenia no está muy clara. Entre los años 1987-1999 hemos intervenido 100 pacientes (64 hombres, 36 mujeres) con carcinoma de esófago (95) o megaesófago (5). La esofagectomía transhiatal se usó en 65 pacientes y transtorácica en 8. Además, se realizaron 27 bypass subesternales para paliación de carcinomas esofágicos irresecables. En todos los pacientes se reemplazó el esófago con un tubo gástrico isoperistáltico y se efectuó una anastomosis esofagogástrica en la región cervical. Nueve pacientes se complicaron con fístula de la anastomosis (9 por ciento) y 17 (17 por ciento) presentaron estenosis que requirieron diiatación. Las fístulas de la anastomosis curaron espontáneamente entre el 7º y 43º día del postoperatorio. Se analizan varios parámetros clínicos, biológicos y de técnica quirúrgica para identificar los factores predisponentes. Se usó un dren en la herida cervical en 14 pacientes y fue el factor más importante y altamente significativo en la incidencia de fístula