Minimally Invasive Treatment Strategies for Tracheoesophageal Fistulae

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a serious consequence of invasive malignancy or iatrogenic injury. TOF can result in aspiration, infection, and sepsis causing significant morbidly and mortality. Management of TOF is challenging and deciding an appropriate strategy requires a multidisciplinary approach. Surgical management has limited application with associated risks and is not an option for a large portion of patients. Minimally invasive methods such as endoscopic repair and stent insertion are favorable. Radiological insertion of metallic stents allows accurate stent placement with the aid of fluoroscopic mapping. This review describes the various methods of managing TOF by a multidisciplinary team.