Repair of Congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula Recurrence in an Adult Intensive Care Unit Patient Hospitalized due to Hemorrhagic Stroke – A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Recurrence of tracheoesophageal fistula is a complication, characterized by high mortality risk. It may occur either directly postoperatively or several years after the initial repair. Direct closure of both tracheal and esophageal defects with the interposition of a muscle flap is the most usual surgical treatment performed. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who was operated as an infant for a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula through a right-sided thoracotomy presenting now with a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula caused by prolonged intubation due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Keywords: Tracheoesophageal fistula; Recurrence; Surgical therapy Glossary of Abbreviations: TEF: Tracheoesophageal Fistulas; rTEF: Recurrence of Tracheoesophageal Fistulas, ICU: Intensive Care Unit; EGD: Esophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy; FTSG: Full Thickness Skin Graft; CT: Computed Tomography