Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in adults. Report of three cases

Abstract

Persistence of congenital bronchoesophageal fistulae into adulthood is rare. Three patients, one male and two female, of 52, 27 and 63 years of age, respectively, are reported. All three presented with chronic respiratory symptoms and coughing spells associated with ingestion. The barium swallow confirmed diagnoses. Treatment was surgical and consisted of excision of the fistulous tract, suture of the oesophageal and bronchial orifices and the interposition of a parietal pleura flap in two cases, and of biological glue in one. All three patients recovered and are free of symptoms.