Abstract
Objectives: Tracheo-esophageal fistulas (TEFs) are significant source of morbidity, leaving many patients feeding-tube dependent. Surgical closure may be unsuccessful, especially if the fistula is large or the patient has been irradiated. Methods: The first patient is a 64-year-old male with a history of total laryngectomy and postoperative radiation therapy and secondary tracheosophageal puncture. The second patient is a 74-year-old male with a history of radiation therapy for non-Hodgkins lymphoma with subsequent iatrogenic TEF during a dilation procedure. Results: Both patients failed multiple attempts to close the fistula. A silastic septal button was placed via endoscopy in the operating room, and both patients were able to resume eating without signs of leakage around the button. Conclusions: Silastic septal buttons are a safe, effective way to close tracheoesophageal fistulas in patients who have failed other attempts at closure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
