Treatment of Traumatic Esophagopleural Fistula Using the Over-the-Scope-Clip System

Esophagopleural fistula (EPF) is a rare condition that is usually accompanied by severe infection and life-threatening morbidity. Here, we report the successful treatment of an EPF by closing an esophageal orifice using the over-the-scope-clip (OTSC) system without postprocedural complications. A 41-year-old man had serious thoracic and abdominal trauma due to a traffic accident. Computed tomography revealed findings suggestive of esophageal rupture due to Boerhaave syndrome. An emergent explorative operation was performed for primary repair with the insertion of a vacuum-assisted closure device. A postoperative upper gastrointestinal series revealed an EPF tract connecting the left pleural space and distal esophagus. We performed an endoscopic procedure using the "traumatic-type"OTSC to seal the EPF, and the esophageal orifice was completely healed 2 weeks postoperatively. The OTSC system might represent a safe and feasible modality for the treatment of EPF.

A Case of Spontaneous Esophagopleural Fistula Successfully Treated by Endoscopic Stent Insertion

The most common cause of esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERFs) is associated with malignancy. The use of self-expandable metal stents is effective for the treatment of malignant ERFs, but benign ERF is rare, which is why its optimal treatment is not defined yet. There have been few reports describing benign esophagopleural fistula and its treatments in South Korea. Here, we report a rare case of spontaneous esophagopleural fistula, which was successfully treated by endoscopic placement of a membrane covered metal stent.

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.

A Case of Esophagopleural Fistula Treated by Endoscopic Injection of Histoacryl in Boerhaave's Syndrome / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Boerhaave's syndrome is a spontaneous tear through all the layers of the left lateral wall of the esophagus just above the diaphragm, produced by a sudden increase in esophageal pressure. Boerhaave's syndrome is a rare but grave syndrome, with a mortality rate around 40%. Most affected patients are middle-aged men who experience violent vomiting after heavy eating or alcohol intake or both. Vomiting followed by the abrupt onset of pain, dyspnea, and/or shock are the major symptoms. The most important diagnostic tool may be an upright chest X-ray. However, esophagograms and/or a chest CT may be required to locate the lesion. The management of esophagopleural fistula must be individualized, and both the patient's condition and the specific characteristics of the fistula must be considered. Successful management of patients must include adequate nutritional support and effective therapy of the associated empyema. A case of esophagopleural fistula complicated by Boerhaave's syndrome, which was successfully treated by endoscopic injection of Histoacryl , in herein reported.