Anesthetic management of congenital broncho-esophageal fistula in an adult

• Published in: Annals of cardiac anaesthesia Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 299 - 301
• Main Authors: Ranjan, R V, Ramachandran, T R, Veliath, David George
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd 01.10.2012; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Subjects: Acute kidney injury; Anesthesia; Anesthesia - methods; Antibiotics; Aortic injury; Aortic surgery; Bleeding; Blood pressure; Blunt cardiac injury; Blunt trauma; Bronchial Fistula - congenital; Bronchial Fistula - surgery; Broncho-esophageal fistulae; Cardiac surgery; Cardiopulmonary bypass; Care and treatment; Case studies; Cesarean section; Complete atrio-ventricular septal defect; Eisenmenger syndrome; Epidural block; Esophageal Fistula - congenital; Esophageal Fistula - surgery; Fistula, Tracheoesophageal; Humans; Hypothermia; IABP; Infections; Intensive care; Intra-aortic balloon pump; Intubation; Lungs; Male; Management; Methods; Middle Aged; One lung ventilation; Ostomy; Paravertebral block; Perioperative care; Post-thoracotomy pain; Postoperative period; Pregnancy; Quality of life; Surgery; Survey; Thoracic epidural; Transfusion; Ventilation; India
• ISSN: 0971-9784; 0974-5181
• DOI: 10.4103/0971-9784.101865

Broncho-esophageal fistula (BEF) are quite rare in adults, more so the congenital variety. The common causes of BEF in adults include infections, trauma, and malignancies. We report a rare case of congenital BEF manifesting in adulthood with repeated pulmonary infections. We emphasize mainly on the preoperative preparation and perioperative management of this patient. It is essential to have a high index of suspicion to diagnose congenital BEF in adults. Anesthesiologists play an important role in successful management of these cases.