Esophagorespiratory Fistula Research Articles

Palliation of malignant esophageal stent esophagorespiratory fistula with rigid bronchoscope and Y silicone trachea stent: experience with seven patients.

Malignant esophageal stent esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) is an abnormal communication between esophagus and airway among advanced tumor patients with indwelling esophageal stent, which is devastating and life-threatening. This study aims to provide a new feasible treatment scheme for malignant esophageal stent ERF and report its potential advantage compared with double stenting, which was recommended by European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Guideline. We retrospectively analyzed the medical data of malignant esophageal stent ERF patients between January 2018 to May 2023 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and divided them into two groups. Group 1 consisted of patients treated with rigid bronchoscopy to remove the esophageal stent and implant Y silicone trachea stent, while group 2 consisted of patients treated with additional airway stenting without removing the esophageal stent. Demographic parameters, disease diagnoses and treatment, radiological findings before and after the intervention, and complications caused by the stents were obtained and analyzed with chi-squared, Mann-Whitney U, independent-samples t-tests, Kaplan-Meier methods, and log-rank test. Ten patients (seven patients in group 1 and three in group 2) were included. No procedure complications occurred in both groups. The mean Karnofsky Performance Score after the procedure significantly improved compared to the pre-procedure (57.14 vs. 77.14, P=0.001) in group 1, while decreased in group 2 (50 vs. 40, P=0.026). The control of pneumonia in group 1 patients is better than that in group 2. There was significant improvement in the degree of dysphagia after the procedure (3.86 vs. 2.43, P=0.002) in group 1, while no improvement was found in group 2 (4.00 vs. 3.33, P=0.423). The mean survival of group 1 was significantly longer group 2 (381.00 vs. 80.33 days, P<0.001, log-rank test). No patient needed stent repositioning due to migration in both groups. Cause of death in the group 1 included disease progression, novel coronavirus pneumonia, massive hemoptysis, and respiratory insufficiency, while group 2 included severe pneumonia and disease progression. No death was directly attributed to the procedure in both groups. Removing the esophageal stent and implanting Y silicone trachea stent through a rigid bronchoscopy is a safe and feasible treatment for malignant esophageal stent ERF. This procedure can effectively seal the fistula, prevent from recurrent aspiration pneumonia, improve the quality of life, and prolong the survival time.

Self-expandable metallic stent-induced esophagorespiratory fistulas in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) are widely adopted for the palliation of dysphagia in patients with malignant esophageal strictures. An important adverse event is the development of SEMS-induced esophagorespiratory fistulas (SEMS-ERFs). This study aimed to assess the risk factors related to the development of SEMS-ERF after SEMS placement in patients with esophageal cancer. This retrospective study was performed at the Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo. All patients with malignant esophageal strictures who underwent esophageal SEMS placement between 2009 and 2019 were included in the study. Of the 335 patients, 37 (11.0%) developed SEMS-ERF, with a median time of 129 days after SEMS placement. Stent flare of 28 mm (hazard ratio [HR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-5.51; p=0.02) and post-stent chemotherapy (HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.01-4.00; p=0.05) were associated with an increased risk of developing SEMS-ERF, while lower-third tumors were a protective factor (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.26-0.85; p=0.01). No difference was observed in overall survival. The incidence of SEMS-ERFs was 11%, with a median time of 129 days after SEMS placement. Post-stent chemotherapy and a 28 mm stent flare were associated with a higher risk of SEMS-ERF.

Related factors and prognosis analysis of esophagorespiratory fistula after esophageal cancer surgery

Objective: To explore the factors associated with the development of esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) after esophageal cancer surgery and its relationship with patient survival. Methods: A total of 241 patients with esophageal cancer after surgery, who received postoperative sputum suction through bronchoscope from West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January and December 2021 were included. The clinical data and airway features under bronchoscope of these patients were collected. Of the 241 patients, 203 were males (84.2%) and 38 were females (15.8%), aged (63.63±8.05) years. The related factors of ERF were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Kaplan-meier was used to analyze the relationship between bronchoscopic specific manifestations, treatment modality and patient survival. Results: Of the 241 postoperative patients with esophageal cancer, 21 (8.7%) developed ERF. There were 39 (16.2%) patients with bronchoscopic specific manifestations, including 16 cases (6.6%) of hyperemia, 13 cases (5.4%) of congestion, and 15 cases (6.2%) of erosion. Bronchoscopic specific manifestations of tracheal mucosa (OR=13.734, 95%CI: 3.535-29.074, P<0.001) and thoracotomy (OR=9.121, 95%CI 1.843-44.237, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for the development of ERF, and preoperative chemotherapy (OR=0.128, 95%CI: 0.052-0.607, P=0.006) was a protective factor in the occurrence of ERF. The median survival time was 224 (95%CI: 95-353)d in the stent-treated group (14 patients) after the onset of ERF, and the median survival time of patients in the supportive care group (7 patients) was 29 (95%CI: 8-50)d, and the survival difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.69, P=0.017). Conclusions: Bronchoscopic specific manifestations are independent risk factors for the development of ERF in postoperative patients with esophageal cancer and are useful in assessing the risk of developing ERF. After the occurrence of postoperative ERF, timely intervention by insertion of tracheal stents to seal the fistula may prolong the survival time of the patients.

Adequate Management of Postoperative Complications after Esophagectomy: A Cornerstone for a Positive Outcome.

Esophagectomy for cancer is one of the most complex procedures in visceral surgery. Postoperative complications negatively affect the patient's overall survival. They are not influenced by the histology type (adenocarcinoma (AC)/squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)), or the surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted). Among those dreadful complications are anastomotic leak (AL), esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF), and chylothorax (CT). In this review, we summarize the methods to avoid these complications, the diagnostic approach, and new therapeutic strategies. In the last 20 years, both centralization of the medical care, and the development of endoscopy and radiology have positively influenced the management of postoperative complications. For the purpose of their prevention, perioperative measures have been applied. The treatment includes conservative, endoscopic, and surgical approaches. Post-esophagectomy complications are common. Prevention measures should be known. Early recognition and adequate treatment of these complications save lives and lead to better outcomes.

Over-The-Scope clip closure of an acquired bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to an esophageal diverticulum.

Esophagorespiratory fistula is a rare entity that occurs as a result of malignant and non-malignant causes. This condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surgical repair has traditionally been the most common treatment and self-expandable metal stent are the first choice among non-surgical techniques. Here, we report a non-malignant bronchoesophageal fistula secondary to an esophageal diverticulum that was successfully closed using an over-the-scope clip.

Contactless Measurement of Integrity of Silicone Coating on Self-Expandable Esophageal Nitinol Stents.

A stent is a mesh tube inserted into a natural passage in the body to prevent disease induction. Self-expandable esophageal nitinol stents such as SX-ELLA Stent Esophageal HV (HV Stent Plus) can be indicated for palliation of malignant esophageal strictures, for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures that are refractory to standard therapy and for the treatment of esophago-respiratory fistulas. A silicone-stent coating is used for tumor in-growth prevention and esophago-respiratory fistula occlusion. The thickness of the stent and the overall integrity of the silicone coating of all wires indicate the overall mechanical properties of the esophageal stent and the resistance to external adverse events such as corrosion and mechanical and chemical resistance. The polymer multicomponent epoxy resin - a mixture of Epon and Durcupan - was used as a method for robust sample stabilization. A cutting system using a thin water beam with a powder (Blue Line) was chosen as the best variant to obtain 6 samples for both-sided measurement (10 measuring sides). The optical microscopic reflective light method was used to examine wire crossing points in the sections. Fifty values were measured on either sample side for the internal, external and mesh thickness of the silicone stent layer. The wire crossing points were selected so that the silicone layer structure could be clearly seen, and the wires approached each other most closely. Only approximately 4 to 8 crossing points in each section could be measured when applying this approach. The resolution of the microscope and calibration (based on the camera used) was 0.677 μm/pixel. Additional data could be obtained on 8 planes. Two boundary samples were destroyed by the cutting process. Whole coating of the stent was around all mesh wires, especially in areas with higher mechanical stress (wire crossing). The minimum detectable and admissible value determined for all 3 measuring areas (internal, external, mesh) on the wire crossings was 6.77 μm, i.e., 10 pixels, based on the microscope resolution and manufacturer's methodology. The results were characterized by p < 0.001 for all 3 parameters. We tested opposite samples in each section to verify the section quality and data consistency. For the 4 areas, the data were significantly different, but the thickness differences were only on the order of units percent, so the measurements were not appreciably affected. We assume that the material cutting loss, making up 1-2 mm, contributed to the differences in the sections. We examined the overall integrity of the silicone coating of the esophageal stent. The method of HV stent anchoring in a polymeric bath followed by cutting with a waterjet and sample measurement under an optical microscope proved to be very simple and reliable. Sufficient thicknesses of the silicone layer on the wire cross sections were verified. The coated silicone layer thickness appeared to be significantly different along the stent from the proximal part to the distant part, presumably due to the manufacturing technology.

Amplatzer occluders for refractory esophago-respiratory fistulas: a case series.

Background and study aims Endoscopic management of esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERF) is challenging and currently available options (stents, double pigtail, endoscopic vacuum therapy) are not very effective. We report the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic placement of Amplatzer cardiovascular occluders for this indication. Patients and methods This was a single-center, prospective study (June 2019 to September 2020) of all patients with non-malignant ERF persistent after conventional management with esophageal and/or tracheal stents. The primary outcome was the technical feasibility of Amplatzer placement. Secondary outcomes were clinical success defined by effective ERF occlusion and resolution of respiratory symptoms allowing oral food intake. Results Endoscopic placement of Amplatzer occluders was feasible in 83 % of patients (5/6), with a 50 % (3/6) clinical success rate at 9 months. The mortality rate was 33 % (2/6). Conclusions An Amplatzer cardiac or vascular occluder is a feasible and safe treatment option for refractory ERF, with a 50 % short-term clinical success.

Finding the bubble: atypical and unusual extrapulmonary air in the chest

ObjectiveTo describe the radiologic findings of extrapulmonary air in the chest and to review atypical and unusual causes of extrapulmonary air, emphasizing the importance of the diagnosis in managing these patients. ConclusionIn this article, we review a series of cases collected at our center that manifest with extrapulmonary air in the thorax, paying special attention to atypical and uncommon causes. We discuss the causes of extrapulmonary according to its location: mediastinum (spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumorrhachis, tracheal rupture, dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis after lung transplantation, intramucosal esophageal dissection, Boerhaave syndrome, tracheoesophageal fistula in patients with esophageal tumors, bronchial perforation and esophagorespiratory fistula due to lymph-node rupture, and acute mediastinitis), pericardium (pneumopericardium in patients with lung tumors), cardiovascular (venous air embolism), pleura (bronchopleural fistulas, spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with malignant pleural mesotheliomas and primary lung tumors, and bilateral pneumothorax after unilateral lung biopsy), and thoracic wall (infections, transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia, and subcutaneous emphysema after lung biopsy).

Buscando la burbuja: aire torácico extrapulmonar atípico e inusual

ObjectiveTo describe the radiologic findings of extrapulmonary air in the chest and to review atypical and unusual causes of extrapulmonary air, emphasizing the importance of the diagnosis in managing these patients. ConclusionIn this article, we review a series of cases collected at our center that manifest with extrapulmonary air in the thorax, paying special attention to atypical and uncommon causes. We discuss the causes of extrapulmonary according to its location: mediastinum (spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumorrhachis, tracheal rupture, dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis after lung transplantation, intramucosal esophageal dissection, Boerhaave syndrome, tracheoesophageal fistula in patients with esophageal tumors, bronchial perforation and esophagorespiratory fistula due to lymph-node rupture, and acute mediastinitis), pericardium (pneumopericardium in patients with lung tumors), cardiovascular (venous air embolism), pleura (bronchopleural fistulas, spontaneous pneumothorax in patients with malignant pleural mesotheliomas and primary lung tumors, and bilateral pneumothorax after unilateral lung biopsy), and thoracic wall (infections, transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia, and subcutaneous emphysema after lung biopsy).

Management of esophagopulmonary fistula after gunshot – case report and literature review

Introduction: An esophagorespiratory fistula is a pathological communication between the esophagus and respiratory tract. The most common type is a communication with the trachea, while the least common is with lung parenchyma. These fistulas are classified as congenital or acquired while etiology is benign or malignant. Aim: We present a case report of a patient who developed esophagopulmonary fistula several years after gunshot in the right side of the chest. Additionally, we discuss the treatment methods and compare the outcomes with other case studies and analyses from world literature. Case study: A 48-year-old male patient was admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Transplantation due to bleeding from the respiratory tract. Radiological images revealed a fistula between the esophagus and right lung parenchyma. Furthermore, bronchiectasis in the right lung was found. Tissues of the fistula, right middle and lower lobes were resected. The patient required renewed hospitalization due to pleural empyema. Furthermore, recurrence of the fistula was observed. Results and discussion: Treatment of esophagorespiratory fistula depends on the etiology and location of the pathological communication. Surgery provides the best possible outcomes in patients with a benign fistula. Proximal location requires cervicotomy, while distal location a thoracotomy. In addition, a distal fistula may damage lung parenchyma. Conclusions: A long-term distal fistula may require pulmonary resection, but early diagnosis would help to avoid more invasive procedures. As symptoms are non-specific and benign etiology is not frequent, thorough examination in search of malignancy is required.

Stenting of the esophagus in the course of the malignant dysphagia in elderly patients

Esophageal cancer is a disease with difficult clinical management, and palliative therapy is the only predominant treatment. This retrospective study analyses the results of clinical management of elderly patients (&gt;75 years of age) who were treated with esophageal stenting for malignant dysphagia due to primary esophageal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), as well as secondary esophageal malignant strictures due to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with esophago-respiratory fistula (ERF) were also included in the study. This study included 166 patients aged 75–88 (mean age, 78) years. Nine (5.4%) patients had upper malignant esophageal stenosis, 48 (28.1%) had the middle, 43 (25.9%) in the lower part of the esophagus, 49 (29.5%) patients had EAC-related stenosis, and 17 (10.2%) patients reported lung cancer-related esophageal stenosis. Dysphagia was rated at 2.8 (range, 2–3) before stenting and at 1.2 (range, 1–2) after the stenting procedure. Seven (4%) patients experienced stenting migration, 12 (7.2%) had granulation tissue overgrowth and prosthesis obstruction, two (1.2%) developed respiratory failure, and one (0.6%) patient died. Twelve (7.2%) patients were treated for ERF with double-stenting, and three (1.8%) patients developed a secondary fistula after the stent implantation. The mean survival of patients with esophageal cancer and ERF was 101.8 days and 62.5 days, respectively. Esophageal stenting has proven a safe procedure in patients over 75 years of age. It has a low rate of stenting obstruction and migration. Patients with ERF are a particularly difficult group to treat, show very poor outcomes and short survival rates.

Risk Factors Associated with Esophageal Fistula after Re-radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for esophageal fistula (EF) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) receiving re-radiotherapy (re-RT) with or without chemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed 71 patients with recurrent ESCC were treated in Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute from August 2014 to April 2019. The clinical characters and dosimetric parameters of patients during the initial diagnosis and treatment were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were provided to determine the risk factors associated with EF. Among the 71 patients included in the study, including 55 males and 16 females. The median age was 68 years old (51-89 years old). 26 patients were T4 staged EC (36.62%), 20 patients with ulcerative EC (28.17%), 18 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in primary RT (25.35%), 16 patients received concurrent CRT in re-RT (22.54%). In this study, 17 patients developed EF (23.94%). Of these, 2 patients developed EF during re-RT. 15 patients experienced EF after re-RT. The types of EF in this study included 8 patients with esophago-respiratory fistula, 9 patients with esophageal-mediastinum fistula. The median follow-up period was 12.75 months (range 0.33∼46.83 months). In univariate analysis, age, gender, T stage, total radiation dose, hyperfractionation RT, ulcerative EC, the maximum thickness of the tumor and the time interval had a correlation with the prevalence of EF. In addition, age, T stage, total radiation dose, and the time interval were significantly associated with EF in multivariate analysis. The incidence of EF was significantly increased in patients with EC who underwent re-RT. Patients with age <70 years old, T4 stage, higher total radiation dose, the shorter time interval was more likely to develop EF. Hyperfractionation RT could reduce the incidence of EF in patients undergoing re-RT. We should pay close attention to the patients with high risk factors of EF to prevent the occurrence of EF.

S2013 A Rare Cause of Dysphagia – Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticulum Complicated by Complete Esophageal Obstruction

INTRODUCTION: Epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum (EED) are a rare protrusion of the distal esophagus arising a few centimeters above the lower esophageal sphincter and is estimated to occur in 1:500,000 individuals per year. It results in motility dysfunction and typically presents as dysphagia and weight loss. Complications include upper GI bleed, esophageal carcinoma, and formation of atypical esophagorespiratory fistulas. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: 66-year-old male with known history of Barrett’s esophagus and daily alcohol ingestion presented for 3 months of dysphagia with 22 kg weight loss. The initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) demonstrated a large obstructive distal esophageal stricture for which Bougie French #60 dilation was performed at an outlying facility. Biopsy showed normal squamous mucosa. Two weeks later, dysphagia remained in which patient underwent CT chest that showed distended proximal thoracic esophagus and wall thickening with soft tissue mass involving the distal esophageal lumen consistent with obstruction; no extrinsic mass was noted (Figure 1). Laboratory workup including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel were within normal limits. Subsequent esophagram showed patulous and dilated esophagus with a large obstructive epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum (Figure 2). Esophageal ultrasound demonstrated food content within the esophageal false lumen (Figure 3). The patient subsequently had a PEG tube placed with plan to undergo traditional open transthoracic surgery with diverticulectomy and esophageal myotomy in the future. DISCUSSION: Most cases of epiphrenic esophageal diverticula are asymptomatic and do not warrant treatment though some may present with dysphagia, dyspepsia, and aspiration pneumonia. It is important to have a broad differential diagnosis including EED in patients with dysphagia. Delayed diagnosis and treatment could put patient at risk for life-threatening complications. Esophageal endoscopy is needed to rule out other dysphagia etiologies. Our case demonstrates complete esophageal obstruction leading to significant weight loss because of EED. In contrast to Zenker’s diverticulum, which occur in the proximal esophagus, EED are much rarer and occur in the distal esophagus. To contrast their rarity, EED occur at a ratio of 1:5 with that of Zenker’s. Traditionally, surgical resection is the treatment of choice. However, endoscopic techniques are being investigated.Figure 1.: CT chest shows dilated, obstructed, and irregular-shaped distal esophagus (red arrow) posterior to the pulmonary artery (PA). There is no extrinsic paraesophageal mass compression.Figure 2.: Esophagram shows epiphrenic esophageal diverticulum (red arrow) with complete distal esophageal obstruction indicates by the absence of contrast in the distal esophagus (black arrow); only an occasional trickle of contrast can be seen to transgress the distal esophagus into the fundus of the stomach. Note the proximity of the diverticulum to the cardiac silhouette.Figure 3.: Esophageal ultrasound showing food content within the esophageal false lumen at the 6 o’clock position.

Vocal Fold Paralysis is a Common Complication in Esophageal Cancer Patients with Esophagorespiratory Fistula

The development of an esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) is associated with poor prognosis. We observed a high rate of vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in patients with ERF. Data on prevalence and complications of VFP in ERF are lacking. The present study investigated the incidence of VFP in patients with malignant ERF and examined possible risk factors and the impact on survival. We performed a retrospective case-control study of 46 institutional cases of EC patients with ERF in a time period of eleven years. Patients were matched to 92 randomly selected controls (EC patients without ERF) in a 1:2 fashion for tumor localization and histology. Demographics, clinical characteristics, recurrence, treatment modalities as well as survival were analyzed. Esophageal cancer patients with ERF developed more often VFP than EC patients without ERF (59% vs. 21%; p=0.02; odds ratio (OR) 4.9). Esophageal cancer patients with ERF had a more pronounced weight loss (7.1 vs. 11.5 kg; P = 0.008), as well as higher rates of esophageal (p=<0.001; OR 22.9) and tracheal stenting (p=<0.001; OR 76.8). Proximal tumor growth (p=0.004; OR 7.9), fistula formation to the trachea (p=<0.001; OR 17.2) and recurrent disease (p=0.04, OR 4.7) was associated with VFP development in EC patients with ERF. Vocal fold paralysis in ERF did not adversely affect five-year survival. Vocal fold paralysis is a common complication in more than half of the patients with ERF in EC. It is associated with proximal tumor growth, fistula formation to the trachea and disease recurrence, but does not influence survival.

Эндоскопическое стентирование при злокачественных респираторно-дигестивных фистулах

The paper presents a review of foreign literature at the present stage on the use of endoscopic stenting of the trachea and esophagus in malignant respiratory-digestive fistulas. Based on the data of foreign literature demonstrating the effectiveness of stenting, indications and contraindications for stenting, approaches for choosing a stent are presented, as well as the advantages, disadvantages, frequency of possible complications and endoscopic methods for their elimination. In conditions of limited life expectancy, patients with malignant fistulas need timely and effective choice of palliative care, which restores the patency of the esop-hagus, seals the fistula and improves the quality of life. Stenting with this pathology is the optimal method of choice. Due to the limited availability of internal in-formation, given the rarity of the occurrence of malignant esophago-respiratory fistulas, the foreign experience was generalized in this work.

Utility of stent double palliation for esophageal cancer with airway involvement: the extremis of care.

Primary esophageal cancer (EC) frequently presents as a locally advanced disease with airway involvement. Placement of combined esophageal and airway stents has been reported in small series to be an effective palliation strategy. Our aims are to present the largest cohort of EC patients who underwent double stent palliation and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach. Longitudinal cohort study of patients with primary EC undergoing two-stage esophageal and airway stent placement at an oncology referral institute (January 2000-January 2019). Assessments: baseline demographics and clinical variables; baseline and week 2 dysphagia, dyspnea and performance status (PS) scores; baseline and week 8 body mass index (BMI); overall survival. Statistics: paired t-test; Kaplan-Meier method. Seventy patients (89% men, mean age 60.20 ± 8.41) underwent double stenting. Esophageal stent was placed for esophageal stenosis and dysphagia (n = 41; placement of a second stent due to recurrence in nine cases) or esophagorespiratory fistulas (ERFs) (n = 29); airway stent was required for ERF sealing (n = 29 + 7 new ERFs after esophageal stent) and to ensure airway patency due to malignant stenosis (n = 29; placement of a second stent due to recurrence in 13 cases) or compression (n = 5). There were 13, endoscopically managed, major complications after esophageal stent [hemorrage (n = 1), migration (n = 5) and new fistulas (n = 7)]. As for airway stents, four major complications were recorded [hemorrage (n = 1) and three deaths due to respiratory infection and ultimately respiratory failure 3-7days after the procedure]. Overall, patients showed significant improvement in dysphagia and dyspnea symptoms (3.21 vs. 1.31 e 15.56 vs. 10.87; P < 0.001). There was a PS improvement for 89.2% (n = 58) of the patients. BMI at week 8 was comparable to baseline records. Mean survival was 137.83 ± 24.14days (95% CI: 90.51-185.15). Survival was longer for better PS (PS1, 249.95days; PS2, 83.74days; PS3, 22.43days; PS4, 30.00days). This is the largest comprehensive assessment of double stent palliation in advanced incurable EC. For both esophageal or airway stenosis and fistula, placement of combined esophageal and airway stents was a feasible, effective, fast-acting and safe modality for symptom palliation and body mass maintenance. Patient autonomy followed symptom improvement. Since it is impossible to provide treatment for cure in most of these cases, this endoscopic strategy, performed in differentiated units with the required technical capacity, may guarantee treatment for the relief of palliative EC.

1866 “I am Choking:” An Unusual Late Complication of a Gunshot Injury

INTRODUCTION: Benign tracheo-esophageal fistulas (TEF) in adults are an uncommon entity. We present the case of a patient who presented with dysphagia, was diagnosed with a benign TEF, and was successfully managed with endoscopic clipping with complete resolution. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 64-year-old male veteran was referred to gastroenterology clinic for evaluation of dysphagia, specifically coughing and choking when eating. Previous history included stable pulmonary nodules, PET-avid mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unclear etiology, and GERD. Patient reported a gunshot wound to the throat over 30 years prior to presentation, which had required a left posterior thoracotomy. Barium esophagram showed a 6 mm diverticulum of the proximal esophagus, with extravasation of contrast into the trachea. EGD was performed, which identified a diverticulum with a small fistula at 20 cm from the incisors. The remainder of the esophagus appeared to be unremarkable, with no evidence of masses. Three hemoclips were deployed, with successful closure of the defect. Repeat barium esophagram 6 weeks post-procedure noted no contrast in the trachea, with the patient reporting improvement of symptoms. Repeat EGD 6 months post-procedure showed no evidence of diverticulum, fistula, nor clips. DISCUSSION: Nonmalignant TEF in adults are uncommon entities. Most acquired benign TEF are secondary to endotracheal cuff injury from prolonged mechanical intubation, but may be due to trauma, prior surgeries, foreign bodies, and mediastinal infections. Classical treatments for acquired TEF include surgical approaches with single or multistage procedures. Endoscopic therapies are increasingly studied with high technical and clinical success rates. While management of TEF is often performed with esophageal stents, tracheal stents, or a combination of both, literature review shows that patients may be successfully managed with endoscopic clips, or stents with a combination of sutures and cautery. For patients with persistent dysphagia and unexplained pulmonary findings, a high index of suspicion must be maintained for a benign TEF, and endoscopic interventions may be critical for clinical resolution. References Silon, Bryan, et al. “Endoscopic management of esophago-respiratory fistulas: a multicenter retrospective study of techniques and outcomes.” Digestive diseases and sciences 62.2 (2017): 424-431. Santosham, Rajan. “Management of acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistulae.” Thoracic surgery clinics 28.3 (2018): 385-392.

Risk Factors for the Development of Esophagorespiratory Fistula in Esophageal Cancer.

The development of esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) in esophageal cancer (EC) is a devastating complication, leading to poor survival rates and low quality of life. Goal of this study was to identify risk factors leading to fistula formation in esophageal cancer. We identified 47 patients with malignant ERF formation in EC in a period of 10 years. Clinical characteristics were compared by univariable analysis to 47 randomly selected patients with EC, but without ERF. A case-control study was conducted for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and ERF matching in a 1:2 fashion for primary tumor localization. Identifiable risk factors in EC patients were histology of SCC (P-value < 0.001), former or current smoking status (P = 0.002) and primary tumor localization in the proximal esophagus (P < 0.001). The "hot spot" for ERF formation was tumor growth 20-25cm distal to dental arch. An additional risk factor in SCC patients was age. Patients with ERF formation in SCC were younger than patients without ERF (median 63 vs. 67 years, P = 0.02). No difference in the rate of fistula formation was seen between esophagectomy and definitive chemoradiation, but the latter developed ERF earlier in the course of the disease (237 vs. 596.5 days, P = 0.01). Patients with proximal SCC of the esophagus and a smoking history, as well as young patients with SCC should be closely monitored for ERF formation.

Fully covered self-expandable esophageal metallic stents in patients with inoperable malignant disease who survived for more than 6 months after stent placement.

To investigate the clinical outcomes of fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) placement in patients with malignant esophageal obstruction who survived longer than 6 months. From January 2002 to January 2018, 88 FCSEMS were placed in 64 patients (mean age 62.9 ± 11.6 years; 58 males) with inoperable malignant esophageal obstruction with or without esophago-respiratory fistula. Only patients who survived more than 6 months with FCSEMS in place were included. Data regarding technical and clinical success, complications, reinterventions, stent patency, and patient survival were obtained from a prospectively maintained hospital database. The technical and clinical success rates were 100 % (64/64). During follow-up, the median dysphagia score significantly improved (3.09 ± 0.68 to 1.05 ± 0.60, p < 0.001). The complication rate was 48.8 %. Multivariate analysis revealed that only longer stenting duration was associated with complications [hazard ratio = 1.220, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (1.074-2.760), p = 0.039]. The median follow-up duration was 257 days (range, 181-969). The median stent patency duration was 289 days [95% CI (209.9-368.1)]. The median survival was 254 days [95% CI (219.7-288.3)]. Our data suggest that esophageal FCSEMS placement is an effective option for patients with malignant dysphagia when survival longer than 6 months is expected. The rate of complications increases with time, and SEMS development is needed to keep up with the advancement in oncological treatment. Fully covered esophageal self-expandable stent placement is effective in patients surviving more than 6 months, however, the rate of complications also increases. SEMS development is needed to cope with the advancement in oncological treatment.

PS02.163: A CASE OF SEPARATION SURGERY WITH DRAINAGE TUBE-LESS (DRESS) ESOPHAGOSTOMY FOR ADVANCED CANCER WITH A RESPIRATORY FISTULA

Abstract Background Esophagorespiratory fistulas including esophagopulmonary fistulas occur in 5–10% patients with esophageal cancer with invasion to adjacent organs. With an esophagorespiratory fistula, saliva and food flow into the respiratory tract through the fistula and severe pneumonia or lung abscess can develop. Alternatively, whether chemoradiotherapy can be performed for patients with esophagorespiratory fistulas affects the further outcomes of treatment in these patients. An esophageal cancer patient with an esophagopulmonary fistula who underwent separation surgery with drainage tube-less (DRESS) esophagostomy and whose inflammation from the esophagorespiratory fistula could be effectively controlled, which facilitated the prompt administration of definitive chemoradiotherapy, is reported. Methods Case report: A 79-year-old man visited a clinic with a month-long history of dysphagia. Esophageal cancer at the middle thoracic esophagus was detected, and invasion of the left main bronchus and lower lobe of the right lung was seen on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Three weeks later, urgent CT showed a lung abscess in the lower lobe of the right lung that continued into the adjacent esophageal cancer, infiltrative shadows in the peripheral lung field, and a pleural effusion. Due to the esophagopulmonary fistula, the patient underwent emergency surgery that consisted of esophageal separation surgery and double bilateral esophagostomy on the right and left supraclavicular region and enterostomy (drainage tube-less esophageal separation surgery). Results Antibiotic drug therapy for pneumonia and lung abscess achieved a favorable outcome. Definitive chemoradiotherapy for the esophageal cancer was started from postoperative day 25. Radiotherapy could not be completed because of sepsis due to aspiration pneumonia, though the aspiration pneumonia improved with intensive treatment. At six-month follow-up, the patient had achieved relapse-free survival and is currently symptom-free. Conclusion Separation surgery with a drainage tube-less (DRESS) esophagostomy is the less invasive operative procedure, which allows prompt initiation of chemoradiotherapy. In many cases of esophageal surgeries, an external esophagostomy is made with a drainage tube, and drainage tubes sometimes cause trouble and affect the quality of life of patients after surgery. However, our drainage tube-less (DRESS) esophagostomy might improve patient's quality of life. In addition, evaluation of esophageal cancer by endoscopic examination through the esophagocutaneostomy can be easily performed. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.