Tracheoesophageal fistula following prolonged tracheal intubation in a thermally injured patient

Abstract

A case of tracheoesophageal fistula 17 days after tracheotomy, manifesting itself during anesthesia as a rapid loss of pressure in the anesthetic system, is presented in a thermally injured patient. For the remainder of the operation, a Carleus tube was inserted. The causes of tracheoesophageal fistula and preventive measures are discussed.