So-called benign broncho-esophageal fistula
Ferrante, G.; Gentile, M.; Griffo, S.G.; Fraioli, G.; Liberti, D.
Minerva Chirurgica 58(4): 571-580
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4733 PMID: 14603171 Document Number: 9914
Broncho-oesophageal fistulae are rare lesions and may be benign or malignant. The articles in medical literature generally concern one case of BEF, and rarely more cases. The term "benign" is debatable, considering the severity of this disease in view of the aetiology and the bronchopulmonary complications. The aetiology in the past was connected to tuberculosis or toxoplasmosis, now to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. The Authors report three acquired cases and one congenital. They confirm the importance of anamnesis, symptomatology and oesophagography for diagnosis and CT scan for detection of pulmonary lesions. The treatment is surgical with resection of fistula and suture of the oesophagus and bronchus, interposing pleura or pericardium or intercostal muscle.
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