Acquired tracheal. diverticulum following repair of tracheo-oesophageal fistula: Endoscopic management

Remnant tracheal diverticutum following the repair of a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is an uncommon complication. The majority of lesions are discovered and repaired at the time of primary oesophageal repair. Respiratory complications are reported to be a major cause for morbidity after surgical repair of a TOF They include anastomotic stricture, oesophageal dysmotility and tracheomatacia. These case reports highlight the need to be wary of tracheal diverticutum as a complication following the repair of a TOF, which may cause difficulty in intubation, airway compromise or an inability to provide effective ventilation. An effective endoscopic surgical technique has been described. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.