Successful closure of refractory esophago‐pulmonary fistula after esophagectomy using a vascular embolization plug under endoscopy: A case report

Abstract

Esophago‐pulmonary fistula after esophagectomy is a fatal complication of severe respiratory distress. Minimally invasive treatments, such as esophageal stent placement, have been developed to treat esophago‐pulmonary fistulae; however refractory fistulae may not be cured by this mode of treatment. We encountered a case in which the esophago‐pulmonary fistula did not close even though sealing of polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue was administered three times over 4 mo while the esophageal stent was in place. We successfully closed this refractory esophago‐pulmonary fistula using a vascular embolization plug under endoscopy. Our procedure can thus be an effective and less invasive treatment for refractory esophago‐pulmonary fistula after esophagectomy.