Aortoesophageal fistula induced by foreign bodies.

Two patients with aortoesophageal fistula induced by foreign bodies were surgically treated during a period of 10 years. The first patient was surgically treated through a right thoracotomy, which failed on account of exsanguination. In the second patient, a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was inserted for esophageal tamponade. The aorta was successfully repaired through a left thoracotomy after occlusion of the esophagus and the aorta above and below the fistula. Therefore, we recommend preoperative esophageal tamponade and occlusion of the esophagus and the aorta through a left thoracotomy as the most successful approach.