Treatment of Proximal Esophagobronchial Fistula with an Anti-migration Esophageal Stent

Abstract

An esophagobronchial fistula is a life threatening complication of esophageal carcinoma. Although placement of esophageal stents is the preferred treatment for esophagobronchical fistula, experience of stenting at the proximal esophagus is limited due to technical difficulties, patients' discomfort and high risk of complications. We report here a patient with an esophagobronchial fistula at the proximal esophagus who was successfully treated by insertion of a self expandable metal stent and earlobe fixation by a connective tube for preventing stent migration. A 46-year-old man had an inoperable esophageal carcinoma and lung abscess due to esophagobronchial fistula. Our first placement of stent at the proximal esophagus failed because of foreign-body sensations and stent migration to the proximal region. For the second time, treatment adding an earlobe fixation tool for anti-migration to the esophageal stent was successful with no serious procedure-related complications. The stent completely sealed off the fistula in the patient without further aspiration and serious discomfort symptoms. Lung abscess and pneumonia gradually improved. Anti-migration esophageal stents can be effective in preventing stent migration for the treatment of proximal esophagobronchial fistula due to malignancy.