Repairing Bronchoesophageal Tube Fistula Using A Contralateral Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap

Summary:A postoperative aerodigestive fistula is one of the rare but critical complications after esophagectomy, and management is challenging. The essential keys to successful treatment of these fistula are thorough debridement and complete closure followed by separation of the respiratory and digestive tract. We present a case of a recurrent bronchoesophageal fistula between the left main bronchus and neo esophagus, which was successfully treated through a contralateral approach. The fistula was debrided and closed primarily through a right thoracotomy, and the interposition of a pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap from the right side was carried out. The patient was able to resume oral feeding at 16th postoperative day.