Clinical Analysis of Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistula

후천성 기관식도루의 임상적 고찰

Background : Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula(TEF) results mostly from Prolonged tracheal intubation and insertion of nasogastric tube. Although the incidence has decreased since the usage of low pressure, high volume cuff of endotracheal tube, it is seldom cured spontaneously and needs surgical treatment. Material and Methods : We have retrospectively reviewed five cases of TEF who underwent surgical treatment for cure from March, 1990 to September, 2001 and analyzed the cause, treatment, postoperative complications and prognostic factors. Results : Majority were men(80% : 4 of 5 patients) and the mean age was 29.4 years old(range, 11-58). The most predominant etiology was prolonged intubation or tracheostomy(80% : 4 of 5 patients) and 3 of 5 patients were treated by tracheal resection and end to end anastomosis with primary closure of esophagus. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients the most common complications were wound infection(4 cases) and esophageal leakage(2 cases). Extubation was done on postoperative day 11.5(range, 1-33) days, and factors causing delayed extubation were status esophagus. epilepticus, edema, and tracheal stenosis. Conclusion : Spontaneous closure of TEF is seldom possible and the surgical treatment of choice is tracheal resection and end to end anastomosis with primary repair of the esophagus. preoperative pulmonary rehabilitation and early extubation postoperatively are important factors for success.