Fistula between airway and esophagus

The fistula between the airway and the esophagus can be congenital or acquired and can be divided into a tracheo-esophageal fistula and a bronchial-esophageal fistula. Although congenital abnormalities are usually found in newborns, the former type is not clearly diagnosed until adolescents or even adults. Most cases have a long history of coughing or coughing, often coughing up food particles, and occasionally with bronchiectasis. The most common cause of abnormal airway and esophageal traffic is esophageal cancer. Some cases can occur after radiotherapy, and the incidence rate can reach about 5.3%. Once this complication occurs, the prognosis is extremely poor, and most cases die within weeks or months. Acquired tracheo-esophageal fistulas can also be caused by tracheal catheter balloon compression of the trachea, surgical trauma, blunt injuries, and foreign bodies. Can be found on CT examination, fiber bronchoscopy and barium swallow examination can confirm the diagnosis. The treatment mainly depends on surgery, and those who can tolerate surgery unconditionally can try medical gel sealing treatment.

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