Endoscopic treatment of esophago -pleural fistula following total gastrectomy: A case report

Abstract

This paper is designed to report the endoscopic treatment for a rare esophagopleural fistula after total gastrectomy. Esophagopleural fistula is a rare complication following total gastrectomy. Nonoperative treatment using endoscopic injection of tissue glue is a less invasive and effective option. The history, treatment, and options for managing an esophagopleural fistula following gastrectomy are discussed. A 53-year-old female patient underwent total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer. An anastomotic leak with esophagopleural fistula formation developed at the esophagojejunostomy site. The fistula was successfully managed by endoscopic injection with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate into the fistula, chest tube drainage, systemic antibiotics, and total parenteral nutrition. This case report suggests that combing effective drainage and the use of n-butyl-2- cyanoacrylate of nonoperative treatment options for esophagopleural fistula.