Long-term Esophageal Cancer Survivor Treated by Bypass for Esophagobronchial Fistula After Chemoradiotherapy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

An esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) is a fatal complication for patients with tracheobronchial invasion by esophageal cancer. We report the case of a long-term esophageal cancer survivor treated by esophageal bypass operation for ERF after chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old man was treated with definitive CRT (i.e. 66 Gy radiotherapy, chemotherapy with cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) for unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer with massive invasion of the left main bronchus. Although a complete clinical response was obtained, the patient developed pneumonia due to an ERF. Esophageal bypass operation was performed for symptomatic relief. The patient's symptoms improved and oral ingestion became possible. No recurrence has been seen for 12 years.

CONCLUSION

Esophageal bypass surgery can help in relieving symptoms and might be associated with long-term survival for esophageal cancer patients with ERF after good response to CRT. Thus, bypass surgery is a useful option in the treatment for esophageal cancer with ERF.