Treating thoracic cavity fistula with covered esophageal stent through nasal esophagus drainage tube / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the feasibility and value of treating esophageal thoracic fistula with covered esophageal stent through nasal esophagus drainage tube. Methods Seven patients with esophageal thoracic cavity fistula were enrolled and treated by 5F pigtail side-holes catheter inserting into thoracic cavity for drainage and then again through nasal esophagus and fistula, placing a covered stent in the esophagus to occlude the orifice of the fistula. The abscess cavities were washed and radiographied periodically through drainage tubes. Results The insertion of the drainage tube and the placement of covered stent were all successful. The drainage tubes were placed in abscess cavities for 12-22 days, average 15 days. The radiography through drainage tubes showed that the abscess cavities disappeared or shrank obviously with control of hydropneumothorax before the drainage tubes being pulled out. The esophagogram after withdrawal of the drainage tubes notified that the fistulae were occluded satisfactorily with stents expanded fully without displacement and stenosis. Conclusions Treating esophageal thoracic cavity fistula with covered esophageal stent through nasal esophagus drainage tube is feasible and safe with clinical efficiency.