Acquired tracheal diverticulum following repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula: Endoscopic management

Abstract

Remnant tracheal diverticulum following the repair of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is an uncommon complication. The majority of lesions are discovered and repaired at the time of primary oesophageal repair. Respiratory complications are reported to be a major cause for morbidity after surgical repair of a TOF. They include anastomotic stricture, oesophageal dysmotility and tracheomalacia. These case reports highlight the need to be wary of tracheal diverticulum as a complication following the repair of a TOF, which may cause difficulty in intubation, airway compromise or an inability to provide effective ventilation. An effective endoscopic surgical technique has been described.