A case series demonstrates improved outcomes in patients with malignant esophago-tracheobronchial fistula using stents, suggesting effective palliation.
Background: Malignant esophago-tracheobronchial fistula (ETBF) is a devastating complication of thoracic malignancies, especially advanced esophageal cancer. Covered self-expandable metallic stents (CSMSs) have emerged as a minimally invasive palliative option. Methods: Between May 2015 and June 2021, seven patients with malignant ETBF (five men and two women; mean age 63 ± 5.8 years) underwent CSMS placement at our institution. Primary diseases included five esophageal cancers and two metastatic mediastinal carcinomas. Clinical characteristics, technical success, complications, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Results: No intraoperative mortality occurred. All patients experienced improvement in dysphagia and/or airway aspiration, allowing resumption of oral intake, which was maintained for a median of 62 days (range, 10–124 days). Median post-stenting survival was 104 days (range, 14–250 days). Conclusion: CSMS placement is a safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant ETBF, preventing aspiration pneumonia and restoring oral intake, thereby supporting home-based care.
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Eguchi et al. (2026) studied this question.
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