Two-Step Operation for Aortoesophageal Fistula After Thoracic Endovascular Repair.

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) caused after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is rare but a serious complication. We report a successful staged operation for AEF after TEVAR. A 70-year-old male underwent TEVAR for a ruptured aneurysm of the descending aorta and subsequently developed AEF three months later. First, the patient underwent the resection of the esophagus, which was the focus of the infection under the right thoracoscopic approach. Second, descending aorta replacement was performed using a left thoracotomy approach. The patient has been well for about two years since the second operation without recurring graft infection. Staged operation with a different approach to the infection zone is a useful method for AEF.