Atypical presentation of tracheoesophageal fistula: immediate failure of ventilation via tracheostomy tube

Authors

  • Qi Yi Bong Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Doh Jeing Yong Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
  • Heng Yao Tan Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20191747

Keywords:

Prolonged ventilation, Tracheostomy, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Fibre optic bronchoscope

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare complication of prolonged endotracheal intubation. Undiagnosed TOF during tracheostomy poses a risk of improper placement of tracheostomy tube and can lead to a potentially life-threatening situation. We report a case of an undiagnosed tracheoesophageal fistula during tracheostomy in a lady in which we encountered difficulty in placement of tracheostomy tube and were eventually able to cannulate the trachea with the help of a fibre optic bronchoscope.

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Author Biography

Qi Yi Bong, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Medical Officer

Department of ORL-HNS

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

References

Shen KR, Allen MS, Cassivi SD, Nichols FC. III, Wigle DA, Harmsen WS, et al. Surgical management of acquired nonmalignant tracheoesophageal and bronchoesophageal fistulae. Ann Thorac Surg. 2010;90:914–8.

Couraud L, Ballester MJ, Delaisement C. Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula and its management. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1996;8:392–9.

Marzelle J, Dartevelle P, Khalife J, Rojas-Miranda A, Chapelier A, Levasseur P. Surgical management of acquired postintubation TOF. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 1989;3:499-503.

Kastanos N, Estopa Miro R, Marin Perez A, Xaublet Mir A, Agusti-Vidal A. Laryngotracheal injury due to endotracheal intubation: Incidence, evolution, and predisposing factors.A long term study. Crit Care Med. 1983;11:362-7.

Paraschiv M. Tracheoesophageal fistula: A complication of prolonged tracheal intubation. J Med Life. 2014;7:516–21.

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Published

2019-04-26

How to Cite

Bong, Q. Y., Yong, D. J., & Tan, H. Y. (2019). Atypical presentation of tracheoesophageal fistula: immediate failure of ventilation via tracheostomy tube. International Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 5(3), 769–771. https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2454-5929.ijohns20191747

Issue

Section

Case Reports