Critically compromised airway secondary to expanding esophageal mucocele

Abstract

Expanding mucocele is a known but rare complication of bypass and surgical exclusion of the thoracic esophagus. When functional esophageal mucosa secretes mucin into the blind esophageal loop, tissue expansion can cause mass effect on nearby structures. We report the case of a critically compromised airway secondary to a dilated esophageal mucocele initially managed with right thoracotomy, partial esophagectomy and mucosectomy. This was complicated by mucocele recurrence, which was successfully managed with computed tomography-guided drainage and absolute alcohol ablation of residual mucosa.