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Description
A 79-year-old man underwent oesophageal self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) insertion for palliation of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the mid-oesophagus. Nine months later, a second oesophageal SEMS placement (stent in stent) was performed due to tumour obstruction of the first SEMS. After 8 months following a stable course, the patient developed intractable coughing and copious expectoration following meals.
Barium swallow examination demonstrated spill over of the oesophageal contrast into the trachea, indicative of tracheo-oesophageal communication (figure 1A, B), and CT demonstrated the upper end of the oesophageal stent communicating with the trachea (figure 1C). Flexible bronchoscopy examination demonstrated complete prolapse of the upper end of the oesophageal SEMS into the upper trachea confirming a diagnosis of stent-associated esophagorespiratory fistula (SERF). The prolapsed stent was causing approximately 80% compromise of the tracheal lumen (figure 2). Urgent rigid bronchoscopy was performed and a covered tracheal SEMS was deployed to completely seal the tracheo-oesophageal communication and achieve tracheal patency (figure 3). The patient experienced immediate resolution of symptoms following tracheal stenting.
Tracheal erosion and prolapse of oesophageal metal stents leading to SERF are unusual complications.1 They can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction or aspiration. Parallel tracheal and oesophageal stenting, as was eventually performed in our patient, is a useful modality in palliation of patients with advanced oesophageal cancer.2
Learning points
Tracheal erosion and tracheal prolapse of oesophageal metal stents are rare complications.
Parallel tracheal and oesophageal stenting is a useful modality in palliation of patients with advanced oesophageal cancer.
Footnotes
Contributors KM was involved in flexible bronchoscopy, tracheal stenting and manuscript preparation. AV participated in patient management and follow-up. AM was responsible for flexible bronchoscopy and manuscript review. RG was involved in manuscript review.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.