LET'S MEET IN THE MIDDLE: SIMULTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC AND BRONCHOSCOPIC SUTURE REPAIR TO CLOSE A LEFT MAIN-STEM MALIGNANT BRONCHO-ESOPHAGEAL FISTULA

Abstract

TOPIC: Procedures TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: This case highlights a unique approach to manage broncho-esophageal fistula which is refractory to esophageal stenting. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 68 year old female with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus status post chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation complicated by esophageal stricture requiring a fully covered 18mmx12.3cm WallFlex stent. Approximately three months after stent placement, she developed coughing with oral intake. Swallow study revealed contrast refluxing into the trachea, and CT scan showed presence of left mainstem broncho-esophageal fistula. Bronchoscopy demonstrated thick purulent secretions and a 1-1.5 cm defect of the left main, 5mm distal to the main carina. The esophageal stent was visualized through the defect. She underwent EGD with removal of the stent and was also found to have a large 3cm deep defect in the proximal esophagus and ulceration throughout the mid-esophagus. Due to high risk of perforation, the esophagus was not stable enough to safely allow stent replacement. Her defect was deemed non-operable. Bronchial stenting was considered; however, there was increased risk of pressure necrosis and mediastinits plus proximity of the fistula to the main carina made stenting difficult to size. We opted to pursue simultaneous flexible endoscopy with rigid bronchoscopy to close her broncho-esophageal fistula. We utilized an X-Tack Endoscopic HeliX Tacking System with one running suture as well as placed two 2.0 36 inch braided non-absorbable pledgeted sutures from the esophageal side with closure on the bronchial side with a Cor-Knot device. There was no evidence of saline leak over the fistula. Post-closure, she tolerated bedside swallow and was able to drink liquid without coughing. Follow up esophagram is pending. DISCUSSION: The current standard of care for management of malignant tracheal-esophageal fistula is esophageal with/without broncho-tracheal stent and is palliative in intent. Stenting was not a safe option in our patient. The use sutures placed via rigid scopes from the esophageal side to tracheal side with closure with a Cor-Knot device for management of tracheo-esophageal fistula has been described in one prior case report.(1) Our case further demonstrates the feasibility of this technique for management of airway-esophageal fistula. Our case is unique as it treats a fistula in the left mainstem bronchus as opposed to the trachea. Due to the distal location of the defect, we were unable to use the rigid esophageal tube to pass the sutures, so we straightened the sutures and successfully passed them through a flexible EGD scope. Our case also used an X-Tack running suture device to further stabilize our closure. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates an effective alternative approach and potentially more viable solution to treat broncho-esophageal fistulas when endoscopic/endobronchial stenting is not permissible. REFERENCE #1: Mozer AB, Michel E, Gillespie C, Bharat A. Bronchoendoscopic Repair of Tracheoesophageal Fistula. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Sep 15;200(6):774-775. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201812-2255IM. PMID: 30973758; PMCID: PMC6775884. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Navtej Buttar, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sangita Goel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ryan Kern, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by John Mullon, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Darlene Nelson, source=Web Response Research grant relationship with Intuitive Surgical Please note: $5001 - $20000 by Janani Reisenauer, source=Web Response, value=Grant/Research Support No relevant relationships by Linh Vu, source=Web Response