Non-malignant tracheo-gastric fistula following esophagectomy for cancer.

Two cases of neoesophago-tracheal fistula are described. After esophagectomy for cancer a fistula developed between the trachea and the pulled-up stomach probably because of the ischaemic effect of the tracheostomy tube. At single stage repairs, the fistulae were divided and the gastric defects were closed directly. In one case, tracheal resection and anastomosis was necessary. The defect on the membranous trachea in both cases was patched with an autologous fascia lata graft. A left pectoralis major muscle flap was interposed between the suture lines to prevent recurrence of the fistula. Treatment of this potentially life-threatening and rare condition yielded excellent results.