Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical management of benign esophago-pulmonary fistula
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: ABSTRACT: Benign esophago-pulmonary fistula (EPF) is a rare clinical condition. This report highlights the case of a 58-year-old woman with a 10-year history of recurrent episodes of cough, throat irritation, dyspepsia and recurrent haemoptysis. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and chest CT detected a fistulous communication between the mid-oesophagus and the right lower lobe lung parenchyma, with bronchiectatic changes in the lower lobe. This patient underwent a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) division of EPF with right lower lobectomy. Intraoperatively, the fistula was identified on esophagoscopy and was divided after ensuring complete fistula closure without compromising the oesophageal lumen. She had an uneventful recovery in the postoperative period. This case highlights the importance of a minimally invasive VATS approach in managing complex benign thoracic fistulas, offering reduced morbidity and faster recovery compared to open thoracotomy.
Source: Lung India
Institution: Dayanand Medical College & Hospital
Language: English
Topic: Esophageal and GI Pathology
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7130822882