Treatment of a benign tracheoesophageal fistula in a ventilator dependent quadriplegic patient.

Management of an acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula in a patient who is dependent on mechanical ventilation is controversial, since the usual procedure is weaning before repair. Here, we describe surgical treatment of a tracheoesophageal fistula in a quadriplegic patient with 28 months of follow-up, who has to remain permanently on mechanical ventilation with a tracheostomy cannula.