Weiman D S, Pate J W, Walker W A, Brosnan K M, Fabian T C
Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, 956 Court Avenue, G 212, Memphis, Tennessee 38163-2116, U.S.A.
World J Surg. 1996 Oct;20(8):1096-9; discussion 1099-100. doi: 10.1007/s002689900167.
During an 8-year period between 1985 and 1993, twelve patients were treated with combined gunshot wounds to the trachea and esophagus. All patients survived, but there were complications, including one tracheoesophageal fistula. Combined injuries of the trachea and esophagus should be repaired primarily, and drains do not necessarily have to be placed. The benefit of a muscle flap placed between the repairs was not confirmed in this series. Complications should be recognized early and treated aggressively to minimize damage to the airway.
