Tracheoesophageal Fistula with Secondary Mediastinitis due to Infants Ingesting Caustic Substance: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

The ingestion of caustic substances is an important cause of emergency care, with children under 5 years of age being the highest risk age group. Tracheoesophageal fistula is an uncommon complication, but with high severity, being associated with mortality of up to 40% when combined with mediastinitis. The objective of this report is to present the case of ingestion of a caustic substance by a 9-month-old infant, describing the clinical and operative management, as well as a brief literature review.