Adult Tracheoesophageal Fistula Incidentally Found on General Endotracheal Anesthesia: A Case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

We describe a case of adult tracheoesophageal fisula incidentally found during laparotomy. A 41 year old male came to the emergency room due to multiple injuries from a car accident. An emergent laparotomy was given to the patient to rule out hemoperitoneum, and progressive distension of the stomach was noted with each positive pressure ventilation. The diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula was made via an intraoperative esophagogram. Detailed inquiry of the patient's history from his mother together with extensive destructive changes over the right upper lung field on the patient's chest X ray suggested that the fistula was longstanding and not of traumatic origin, obviating the need of urgent operation. The fistula was divided via the right thoracotomy 24 days later. Postoperative course was uneventful.