Candida osteo-chondromyelitis complicating thoraco-abdominal esophageal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Candida albicans osteo-costochondromyelitis is a rare condition. Such pathology after esophagectomy has not been reported. METHODS: Report of four cases and review of pertinent English-language literature. RESULTS: Four patients underwent esophageal surgery via a left thoraco-abdominal approach between June, 1999 and March, 2000. After complicated post-operative courses, Candida osteomyelitis of the costochondral margin presented initially as a cutaneous sinus. CONCLUSIONS: All patients responded well to surgical debridement followed by a three-month course of oral fluconazole.