Early tracheoesophageal fistula after tracheotomy: A case report with literature review

摘要

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF), an unusual connection between trachea and esophageal, is a rare and late complication of tracheotomy. It caused by the injury to the posterior wall of trachea. Most cases were highly associated with prolonged artificial ventilation. 1,2 The overinflated cuff tubes were the mainly cause of TEF in patients who received long term positive pressure ventilation. 3 It may also happened with the long-term dwelling of nasogastric tube or consequent injury to the esophagus wall of the tube.