J Cardiothorac Surg
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2009
Case ReportsGastro-tracheal fistula--unusual and life threatening complication after esophagectomy for cancer: a case report.
A gastro-tracheal fistula following esophagectomy for cancer is a rare but potentially lethal complication. We report the successful surgical closure after failed endoscopic treatment, of a gastro-tracheal fistula following esophago-gastrectomy for cancer after induction chemo-radiotherapy. ⋯ After several weeks of conservative measures, surgical re-intervention through a right thoracotomy with transection of the fistula and closure by primary interrupted sutures of both fistular orifices along with intercostal muscle flap interposition led to excellent patient outcome. Oral feeding was started and our patient was discharged.
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J Cardiothorac Surg · Nov 2009
Coronary arteriovenous fistulas in the adults: natural history and management strategies.
To describe aspects of the natural history and pathophysiology of coronary arteriovenous fistula and to propose potential treatment strategies. ⋯ Because of the severe complications that may develop due to coronary arteriovenous fistula, we believe that every coronary artery fistula should be treated invasively by surgery or transcatheter closure. But both treatment modalities still need to be evaluated with randomized multicenter studies for long term survival and effectiveness.