Aortic and Esophageal Endografting for Secondary Aortoenteric Fistula

Abstract

The aorto-esophageal fistula is a well-recognized and potentially fatal complication of thoracic aortic surgery. Several strategies regarding its prevention and subsequent management have been described. We report the management of a large midthoracic fistula complicating redo thoraco-abdominal aortic surgery by the placement of covered stents in the aorta and esophagus to successfully exclude the lesion. While long term durability is uncertain, endografts and long-term antibiotics provide a therapeutic option for palliation in patients unfit for immediate surgery. © 2008 European Society for Vascular Surgery.