Post-intubation tracheoesophageal fistula with posterior glottic web

Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol. 2011 Jun;4(2):105-8. doi: 10.3342/ceo.2011.4.2.105. Epub 2011 Mar 3.

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) after prolonged intubation could present as chronic aspiration and could be mistaken as unilateral or bilateral vocal fold palsy, especially when there was combined posterior glottic synechia. We present a case of post-intubation TEF which was successfully treated with tracheal resection and anastomosis with primary esophageal closure. The accompanying posterior glottic web was treated by endoscopic technique of web lysis, with topical application of mitomycin C solution.

Keywords: Laryngeal stenosis; Surgical anastomosis; Tracheal resection; Tracheoesophageal fistula.