Tubercular esophago-pleural fistula—a rare case report and review of literature

Abstract

Esophago-pleural fistula is a rare entity. A young patient presented with chest discomfort after taking food and occasional cough. Computed tomography scan of thorax revealed esophago-pleural fistula. Intraoperatively, there was a BPF in the right lower lobe. The fistulous diverticulum was excised followed by primary repair of the esophagus and reinforced with intercostal muscle flap with buttressing of BPF by soft tissue flap. Patient was discharged uneventfully under coverage of ATT. Primary repair and reinforcement by myoplasty have superadded advantage over endoscopic procedures where recurrence rate is high. So, proper evaluation and timely management are required to prevent morbidity and mortality.