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Tracheoesophageal fistulas are an uncommon problem. The fistulas -- which are abnormal connections between the trachea and esophagus -- occur as a result of complications from prolonged mechanical ventilation. Patients must be weaned from mechanical ventilation before primary repair and reconstruction can be considered.
This very difficult group of patients can achieve a high degree of success in re-instituting oral nutrition and eliminating dependence on tracheostomy tubes.
IIn suitable patients, a single-stage repair has been developed to deal with this very difficult and challenging problem.
-- Douglas J. Mathisen, M.D.
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See selected references by
thoracic surgeons at MGH |
