Minimally Invasive Repair of Acquired Benign Thoracic Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula

Background: Repair of large, upper thoracic, cuff-induced, tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is technically demanding and is conventionally performed by open surgery. Minimal access approach is, hitherto, unreported. Technique & Case: Minimally invasive repair of TEF involving fistula isolation – by thoracoscopic oesophageal exclusion, and simultaneous establishment of alimentary continuity – by laparoscopy-assisted sub-sternal colonic transposition, is described. The technique was successfully employed in repairing a large (4.5 centimetres), cuff-induced, upper thoracic TEF, in a 25-year-old woman. The rationale behind the technique, its pros and cons are analysed and contrasted against conventional techniques of TEF repair. Conclusion: Large upper thoracic, cuff-induced TEF can be successfully repaired employing minimal access.