Postesophagectomy airway–gastric fistula successfully treated with subcutaneous fascia flap, tracheal reconstruction, and gastric fistula drainage: A case report and literature review

Airway-gastric fistula (AGF) is a dreaded complication of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Its presentations and treatment approaches differ from individual to individual. Herein, we report the case of a patient with postesophagectomy AGF that was successfully treated with a subcutaneous fascia flap twisting trachea, and gastric fistula drainage. On reviewing the related literature, we consider that protecting the airway with living soft tissues and draining the mediastinum are the key steps for the surgical treatment of AGF. Airway stenting may be used as a temporary solution, and conservative therapy can be successful in some carefully selected cases.