[Surgical treatment of aortoesophageal fistula induced by foreign body in esophagus].

It is well known that there is no effective therapy to cure aortoesophageal fistula induced by a foreign body in the esophagus all over the world. In 220 cases of foreign body in esophagus, 4 developed the life-threatening complication of aortoesophageal fistula as the foreign body eroded through the esophageal wall and perforated the aorta. Although 3 of 4 patients were operated upon, only one survived by means of profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest. According to the successful experience and a review of the literature, the authors considered that some patients with aortoesophageal fistula may be saved if an emergency operation is undertaken immediately after the diagnosis made. Meanwhile, they divided this disease into 3 pathological types, and suggested the optimal operation procedure individualized to the different pathological types.