Rendezvous technique to recanalize a stapled esophagus after esophageal exclusion for salvaging concomitant esophageal and bronchial rupture due to Sengstaken Blakemore tube misplacement: A novel application of an old technique

Abstract

AbstractThis is the first reported case on concomitant bronchial and esophageal rupture due to Sengstaken Blakemore tube misplacement. Patient was managed with emergency laparotomy and thoracotomy. Esophageal exclusion and esophagostomy diversion were performed. Spontaneous recanalization of the cervical esophagus was evident 1 month after operation. However, it did not occur at the distal esophagus. A combined antegrade–retrograde rendezvous technique was employed, with two endoscopes approaching from two sides of the oesophagogastric junction, under fluoroscopic guidance, the digestive tract was successfully restored without further operation. Such rendezvous technique to recanalize a stapled esophagus has never been reported. Safety issues of Sengstaken tube insertion were reviewed.