Repair of a Postesophagectomy Bronchogastric Tube Fistula With Polyglactin Mesh Supported With a Muscle Flap

A bronchogastric fistula is a very rare complication of transthoracic esophagectomy. We report a case of bronchogastric fistula after transthoracic esophagectomy caused by dehiscence of the staple line in the gastric tube, with subsequent erosion into the right main bronchus. The patient was managed successfully in two surgical stages. First, the bronchial defect was repaired using a polyglactin mesh covered by a serratus anterior muscle flap. Two months later, the esophagogastric continuity was restored with colon interposition. (Ann Thorac Surg 2009; 88: 1698-700) (C) 2009 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons