A new technique to repair huge tracheo-gastric fistula following esophagectomy

We reported the management of a life-threatening condition as a large tracheo-gastric fistula involved the carina, the left and the right bronchus that complicated Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer. An urgent right thoracotomy was performed and the tracheal defect was covered with a reversed pedicled pericardial patch reinforced with an intercostal muscle flap. Cervical esophagostomy and a feeding jejunostomy completed the operation. Five months later, the continuity of gastrointestinal tract was restored using a transverse colon.