Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula after foreign body impaction.

We describe a case of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula in a child previously operated for esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula following impaction of a foreign body. After extracting the foreign body, the diagnosis of recurrence was confirmed by esophagogram and bronchoscopy. The fistula was approached through transpleural thoracotomy and repair effected without significant difficulty. The possibility of unrecognized foreign body impactions as the etiological factor for late recurrence of tracheoesophageal fistula is discussed.