Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2000 Oct;33(10):839-842.

Aortoesophageal Fistula after Prosthetic Patch Aortoplasty for Mycotic Aneurysm of the Descending Thoracic Aorta

• Lee HS
• Kim JW
• Jung JI
• Yun CS
• Lee SH
• Yoon YC
• Ku BI
• Kim CH

Abstract

Aortoesophageal fistula is an uncommon and fatal complication after surgery of aortic aneurysm. A case of aortoesophageal fistula as a complication of synthetis patch aortoplasty for mycotic aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta is described. After 3 months since patch aortoplasty for mycotic aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta this patient visited the emergency room due to melena and hematemesis. After gastrofiberoscopy and computed tomography the patient was taken ot the operating room. The surgical intervention was performed in two steps. Median sternotomy and midline laparotomy were made. Hemashield's Dacron(16mm) bypass between ascending thoracic aorta and infra-renal abdominal aorta was established first. Through the posterolateral thoracotomy false aneurysm and previous Hemashield's Dacron patch of descending aorta were resected. The two ends of the aorta were sutured and esophageal fistula was repaired. The esophageal suture line and the stumps were covered with omental graft. Thirty months later the patient has had no difficulty referable to the aortic surgery.

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm, False
Aneurysm, Infected*
Aorta
Aorta, Abdominal
Aorta, Thoracic*
Aortic Aneurysm
Emergency Service, Hospital
Esophageal Fistula
Fistula*
Hematemesis
Humans
Laparotomy
Melena
Operating Rooms
Polyethylene Terephthalates
Sternotomy
Sutures
Thoracotomy
Transplants
Polyethylene Terephthalates