FA07.03: TRACHEO-BRONCHO-ESOPHAGEAL FISTULAE: THE NEW EPIDEMIC?

Abstract Background Acquired Tracheo-broncho-esophageal fistulae of the adult are uncommon, severe and require a complex management associating medical, endoscopic and surgical treatment. Methods From January 2013 to December 2017, we conducted a monocentric, retrospective study on the etiology, the diagnosis and the management of acquired tracheo-broncho-esophageal fistulae. Results During the last 5 years, 29 consecutive acquired tracheo-broncho-esophageal fistulae were diagnosed in our department (23 men and 6 women), of which 2 malignant fistulae. Sixteen appeared in the early postoperative period after esophagectomy (From 7 to 63 days), and two more later at post-operative day 150 and 154 days. The other 10 tracheo-broncho-esophageal fistulae had variable etiologies: post-radiation (5), traumatic (4), severe reflux. Clinical presentation were of variable severity as well. Six patients were asymptomatic, the fistula diagnosed on systematic radiological or endoscopic examinations. The other patients had respiratory and infectious symptoms, going from iterative pneumopathy to acute respiratory distress with septic shock. The management was complex and specific to each patient, but 3 situations can be described: 1. Endoscopic treatment (7) 2. Surgical treatment, more or less followed by an endoscopic treatment (7) 3. Multiple endoscopic treatment, followed by surgery (13). Regardless of the treatment, the mortality rate was extremely high, 12 patients out of 27 dying in the early follow-up (44,4%). Conclusion The incidence of acquired tracheo-broncho-esophageal fistulae seems to be increasing, especially after esophagectomy. Their treatment is different than from the usual anastomotic fistula. Multimodal management is associated with patient death in about half of the cases. Endoscopic treatment allows the stabilisation of patients in a precarious clinical situation, but where the immediate results can be satisfactory it can later on lead to chronic and harmful situations. Surgery remains the cornerstone of the treatment. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.