An incidentally diagnosed bronchoesophageal fistula in an adult

Alper Findikcioglu, Dalokay Kiliç, Şule Akin, Oya Çok, Aniş Aribogan, Ahmet Hatipoglu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas (BEFs) are usually diagnosed during the neonatal period. Only simple types (type 2) may remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Congenital BEFs may remain hidden if the orifice of the fistula is closed with a permanent membrane, and/or the esophageal orifice is below the level of the bronchial orifice. Bronchoesophageal fistulas should be treated as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed with early surgical intervention. Despite their benign nature, congenital BEFs may lead to fatal complications, for example massive hemoptysis. In this article, we present a 55-year-old female patient with a congenital BEF. The fistula was first suspected during an inguinal hernia operation. Her mild symptoms became worse following the diagnosis, and hemoptysis developed. A fistulectomy using a right thoracotomy and right lower lobectomy were then performed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)645-648
Number of pages4
JournalTurkish Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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