Gastropericardial fistula: a late complication of esophageal reconstruction

Ann Thorac Surg. 2012 May;93(5):1729-31. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.09.075.

Abstract

Esophageal replacement for both benign and malignant diseases commonly uses gastric tube reconstruction. A rare but potentially life-threatening late complication is the formation of a gastropericardial fistula. We describe a case of gastropericardial fistula occurring more than 20 years after esophageal reconstruction for congenital esophageal atresia. We report our surgical strategy and review the key concepts in the management of this complication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Drainage / methods
  • Dyspnea / diagnosis
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Esophageal Atresia / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Atresia / surgery
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastric Fistula / diagnosis
  • Gastric Fistula / etiology*
  • Gastric Fistula / surgery
  • Humans
  • Laparotomy / methods
  • Male
  • Pericardium*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Pneumopericardium / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium / etiology*
  • Pneumopericardium / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sternotomy / methods
  • Stomach / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps / blood supply*
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult