Prevention of left atrium esophagus fistula: Appraisal of existing technologies and strategies.

Catheter ablation has emerged as an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare, but feared complication. With increasing utilization of ablation therapy for AF, the understanding of the relationship between AEF and ablation has been improved in recent years. Efforts to reduce the risk of AEF have focused on decreasing the risk of severe esophageal injury (EI) and the presumed subsequent progression from EI to AEF, including esophageal temperature monitoring, esophageal cooling systems, esophageal deviation devices, and decreasing and/or curtailing ablation energy delivery. Periprocedural assessment may help identify higher risk patients and detect early esophageal lesions. This review systematically summarizes and evaluates the current strategies and techniques utilized to reduce the risk of AEF in the clinical workflow for AF ablation. We expect that this review will help clinicians to better understand the principles, advantages, and disadvantages of these methods, and to find suitable strategies using current available tools.

Esophageal injury associated with catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Determinants of risk and protective strategies.

Catheter ablation has become an important element in the management of atrial fibrillation. Several technical advances allowed for better safety profiles and lower recurrence rates, leading to an increasing number of ablations worldwide. Despite that, major complications are still reported, and esophageal thermal injury remains a significant concern as atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is often fatal. Recognition of the mechanisms involved in the process of esophageal lesion formation and the identification of the main determinants of risk have set the grounds for the development and improvement of different esophageal protective strategies. More sensitive esophageal temperature monitoring, safer ablation parameters and catheters, and different energy sources appear to collectively reduce the risk of esophageal thermal injury. Adjunctive measures such as the prophylactic use of proton-pump inhibitors, as well as esophageal cooling or deviation devices, have emerged as complementary methods with variable but promising results. Nevertheless, as a multifactorial problem, no single esophageal protective measure has proven to be sufficiently effective to eliminate the risk, and further investigation is still warranted. Early screening in the patients at risk and prompt intervention in the cases of AEF are important risk modifiers and yield better outcomes.

Prevalence and prevention of oesophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Atrio-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a potentially lethal complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Many studies have evaluated the presence and prevention of endoscopically-detected oesophageal lesions (EDOL) as a proxy measure for risk of AOF. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to determine the prevalence of EDOL and effectiveness of general preventive measures during AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched electronic databases for studies reporting prevalence or prevention of EDOL post-AF ablation. Pooled prevalence were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI) while studies evaluating preventive measures including oesophageal temperature monitoring (OTM), esophageal manipulation and type of anaesthesia were analyzed descriptively or by random-effects modeling. Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis. Any and ulcerated EDOL pooled prevalence was 11% (95%CI, 6-15%) and 5% (95%CI, 3-7%), respectively. In six studies, there was no difference in EDOL with or without OTM (pooled OR 1.65, 95%CI, 0.22-12.55). There was no difference using a multi-sensor versus single-sensor OTM (one study) nor when using a deflectable probe (two studies). Oesophageal displacement was associated with significant instrumentation injury in one study. Two studies evaluating Oesophageal cooling showed conflicting results. General anaesthesia was associated with more EDOL than conscious sedation in two studies. CONCLUSION: The pooled prevalence of any and ulcerated EDOL post-ablation was 11% and 5%, but varied between studies. Techniques such as OTM and oesophageal displacement or cooling have not conclusively demonstrated a reduction in EDEL, while general anaesthesia may be associated with higher EDOL risk. Further randomized data are critically needed to validate and develop measures to prevent EDOL and AOF.

Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: circumferential pulmonary vein ablation: success rates with and without exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation has become the first line of therapy in patients with symptomatic, recurrent, drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation is still the standard approach in these patients. The occurrence of an atrioesophageal fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication after such ablation procedures. This is due to the fact that the esophagus does frequently have a very close anatomical relationship to the left or right pulmonary vein ostia. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus does have a significant effect on the success rate after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients [121 men, 69 women; mean age 59.1 years (SD ± 11.3 years)] with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent a circumferential pulmonary vein ablation procedure (using the CARTO- or the NAVX-system). In 100 patients, a complete circumferential pulmonary vein ablation was attempted regardless of the anatomical relationship between the ablation sites and the esophagus (group A). In the remaining 100 patients, the esophagus was marked by a special EP catheter and areas adjacent to the esophagus were excluded from the ablation procedure. After discharge, patients were scheduled for repeated visits at the arrhythmia clinic at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months after the ablation procedure. RESULTS: The ablation procedure could be performed as planned in all 200 patients. In group A, all pulmonary veins could be isolated successfully in 88 out of 100 patients (88%). A mean number of 3.9 pulmonary veins (SD ± 0.37 PVs) were isolated per patient. The 12 cases of an incomplete pulmonary vein isolation were due to poorly accessible pulmonary vein ostia. In group B, all pulmonary veins could be isolated successfully in only 58 out of 100 patients (58%; P < 0.01). A mean number of 3.5 PVs (SD ± 0.6 PVs) were isolated per patient (P < 0.01). This was mostly due to a close anatomical relationship to the esophagus. The ablation strategy had to be modified in 46/100 patients in group B because of a close anatomical relationship between the right (n = 25) or left (n = 21) pulmonary vein ostia and the esophagus. One year after the ablation procedure, 87% of patients in group A (87/100) and 79% of patients in group B (79/100) were free from an arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.19). Three years after catheter ablation, the success rate was 80% (no arrhythmia recurrence in 80 out of 100 patients) in group A and 66% in group B (no arrhythmia recurrence in 66 out of 100 patients; P = 0.04). There were no major complications during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The exclusion of areas adjacent to the esophagus results in a markedly higher percentage of incompletely isolated pulmonary veins after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation procedures. This results in a significantly higher arrhythmia recurrence rate during long-term follow-up.

Difference in thermodynamics between two types of esophageal temperature probes: Insights from an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Luminal esophageal temperature monitoring is performed with a variety of temperature probes, but little is known about the relationship between the structure of a given probe and its thermodynamic characteristics. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in thermodynamics between a 9Fr standard esophageal probe and an 18Fr esophageal stethoscope. METHODS: In the experimental setting, each probe was submerged in a constant temperature water bath maintained at 42°C; in the patient setting, we monitored the temperature with both probes at the same time. RESULTS: The time constant of the stethoscope was higher than that of the probe (33.5 vs 8.3 s). Compared to the probe, the mean temperature measured by the stethoscope at 10 seconds was significantly lower (22.5°C ± 0.4°C vs 33.5°C ± 0.3°C, P<.0001), whereas the time to reach the peak temperature was significantly longer (132.6 ± 5.9 s vs 38.8 ± 1.0 s, P<.0001). Even in the ablation cases we observed that when the esophageal probe reached a peak temperature of 39.6°C ± 0.3°C, the esophageal stethoscope still displayed a temperature of 37.3°C ± 0.2°C (a mean of 2.39°C ± 0.3°C lower, P<.0001), showing a <0.5°C increase in temperature half of the times. CONCLUSION: The 18Fr esophageal stethoscope has a significantly slower time response compared to the 9Fr esophageal probe. In the clinical setting, this might result in a considerable underestimation of the luminal esophageal temperature with potentially fatal consequences.

The Use of the Sternocleidomastoid Flap Helps Reduce Complications After Free Jejunal Flap Reconstructions in Total Laryngectomy and Cervical Esophagectomy Defects.

PURPOSE: Esophageal reconstruction after tumor extirpation or ingestion injury is a difficult problem for the reconstructive plastic surgeon. Free tubed fasciocutaneous flaps and intestinal flaps have become the mainstay for reconstruction. The free jejunal flap has the advantage of replacing like-with-like tissue and having lower fistula rates. Additionally, the "mesenteric wrap" modification and prophylactic pectoralis major muscle have been described to further decrease anastomotic leaks and fistulae. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of the prophylactic pedicled sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap for prevention of anastomotic leaks and fistulae. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction of circumferential pharyngoesophageal defects with a free jejunal flap by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2012 was performed. Those who received a prophylactic pedicled SCM flap to reinforce one of their jejunal anastomoses were selected for this study, and their outcomes were analyzed. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, complications, and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Three patients underwent reinforcement of one jejunal anastomosis with a pedicled SCM flap. The mean age was 60 years, and average follow-up was 27 months. Two patients received postoperative radiation, and one patient received both preoperative and postoperative radiation. The recipient vessels included the facial artery, internal jugular vein, and facial vein. The flap survival rate was 100%. There was 1 stricture and 1 fistula that occurred at the anastomoses without the SCM muscle reinforcement. There were no complications at the jejunal anastomotic sites that were reinforced with the SCM muscle. Of the 6 anastomotic sites in 3 patients, there was a 0% fistula rate and 0% stricture rate at the sites reinforced with the SCM muscle versus a 33% fistula rate and a 33% stricture rate at the sites without the SCM muscle flap. One patient was diagnosed with local tumor recurrence and eventually succumbed to the progression of their disease. All patients were able to tolerate an oral diet without supplemental feeds. All patients were able to achieve intelligible speech via an electrolarynx or esophageal speech. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of pharyngoesophageal defects can be technically challenging and requires extensive planning and careful execution. The free jejunal flap restores alimentary continuity with good functional outcomes. Fistula rates may be decreased with the use of a prophylactic SCM flap to reinforce the jejunal anastomosis.

Simplified method for esophagus protection during radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation--prospective study of 704 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Although rare, the atrioesophageal fistula is one of the most feared complications in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation due to the high risk of mortality. OBJECTIVE: This is a prospective controlled study, performed during regular radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, to test whether esophageal displacement by handling the transesophageal echocardiography transducer could be used for esophageal protection. METHODS: Seven hundred and four patients (158 F/546M [22.4%/77.6%]; 52.8 ± 14 [17-84] years old), with mean EF of 0.66 ± 0.8 and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation were submitted to hybrid radiofrequency catheter ablation (conventional pulmonary vein isolation plus AF-Nests and background tachycardia ablation) with displacement of the esophagus as far as possible from the radiofrequency target by transesophageal echocardiography transducer handling. The esophageal luminal temperature was monitored without and with displacement in 25 patients. RESULTS: The mean esophageal displacement was 4 to 9.1cm (5.9 ± 0.8 cm). In 680 of the 704 patients (96.6%), it was enough to allow complete and safe radiofrequency delivery (30W/40ºC/irrigated catheter or 50W/60ºC/8 mm catheter) without esophagus overlapping. The mean esophageal luminal temperature changes with versus without esophageal displacement were 0.11 ± 0.13ºC versus 1.1 ± 0.4ºC respectively, P<0.01. The radiofrequency had to be halted in 68% of the patients without esophageal displacement because of esophageal luminal temperature increase. There was no incidence of atrioesophageal fistula suspected or confirmed. Only two superficial bleeding caused by transesophageal echocardiography transducer insertion were observed. CONCLUSION: Mechanical esophageal displacement by transesophageal echocardiography transducer during radiofrequency catheter ablation was able to prevent a rise in esophageal luminal temperature, helping to avoid esophageal thermal lesion. In most cases, the esophageal displacement was sufficient to allow safe radiofrequency application without esophagus overlapping, being a convenient alternative in reducing the risk of atrioesophageal fistula.

Simplified method for esophagus protection during radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation - prospective study of 704 cases / Método simplificado para proteção do esôfago durante a ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial - estudo prospectivo de 704 casos

Abstract Introduction: Although rare, the atrioesophageal fistula is one of the most feared complications in radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation due to the high risk of mortality. Objective: This is a prospective controlled study, performed during regular radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, to test whether esophageal displacement by handling the transesophageal echocardiography transducer could be used for esophageal protection. Methods: Seven hundred and four patients (158 F/546M [22.4%/77.6%]; 52.8±14 [17-84] years old), with mean EF of 0.66±0.8 and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation were submitted to hybrid radiofrequency catheter ablation (conventional pulmonary vein isolation plus AF-Nests and background tachycardia ablation) with displacement of the esophagus as far as possible from the radiofrequency target by transesophageal echocardiography transducer handling. The esophageal luminal temperature was monitored without and with displacement in 25 patients. Results: The mean esophageal displacement was 4 to 9.1cm (5.9±0.8 cm). In 680 of the 704 patients (96.6%), it was enough to allow complete and safe radiofrequency delivery (30W/40ºC/irrigated catheter or 50W/60ºC/8 mm catheter) without esophagus overlapping. The mean esophageal luminal temperature changes with versus without esophageal displacement were 0.11±0.13ºC versus 1.1±0.4ºC respectively, P<0.01. The radiofrequency had to be halted in 68% of the patients without esophageal displacement because of esophageal luminal temperature increase. There was no incidence of atrioesophageal fistula suspected or confirmed. Only two superficial bleeding caused by transesophageal echocardiography transducer insertion were observed. Conclusion: Mechanical esophageal displacement by transesophageal echocardiography transducer during radiofrequency catheter ablation was able to prevent a rise in esophageal luminal temperature, helping to avoid ...

Resumo Introdução: Apesar de rara, a fístula átrio-esofágica é uma das complicações mais temidas na ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial pelo alto risco de mortalidade. Objetivo: Este é um estudo prospectivo controlado, realizado durante a ablação por radiofrequência da fibrilação atrial regular, para testar se o deslocamento do esôfago ao manipular o transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica poderia ser usado para a proteção de esôfago. Métodos: Setecentos e quatro pacientes (158 mulheres e 546 homens [22,4%/77,6%]; 52,8±14 [17-84] anos), com EF média igual a 0,66±0,8 e com fibrilação atrial refratária ao tratamento medicamentoso, foram submetidos à terapia híbrida com ablação por radiofrequência (isolamento convencional das veias pulmonares e ninhos de fibrilação atrial e ablação de taquicardia de background) com deslocamento do esôfago o mais longe possível do alvo da radiofrequência por manuseio do transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica. A temperatura luminal esofágica foi monitorada com e sem deslocamento em 25 pacientes. Resultados: O deslocamento esofágico significativo foi de 4 a 9,1 centímetros (5,9±0,8 cm). Em 680 dos 704 pacientes (96,6%), isso foi o suficiente para permitir a entrega completa e segura de radiofrequência (30W/40ºC/cateter irrigado ou 50W/60ºC/cateter de 8 milímetros) sem sobreposição do esôfago. As alterações médias de temperatura luminal esofágica com e sem deslocamento de esôfago foram de 0,11±0,13ºC versus 1,1±0,4ºC, respectivamente, P<0,01. A radiofrequência teve que ser interrompida em 68% dos pacientes sem deslocamento de esôfago devido ao aumento da temperatura luminal esofágica. Não houve nenhum caso, suspeito ou confirmado, de fístula átrio-esofágica. Foram observados apenas dois sangramentos superficiais causados por inserção do transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágica. Conclusão: O deslocamento mecânico do esôfago pelo transdutor de ecocardiografia transesofágico durante ...

Cure and prevention strategy for postoperative gastrointestinal fistula after esophageal and gastric cardiac cancer surgery.

Gastrointestinal fistula is the most serious complication of esophageal and gastric cardiac cancer surgery. According to occurrence of organ, gastrointestinal fistula can be divided into anastomotic fistula, gastric fistula; According to occurrence site, fistula can be divided into cervical fistula, thoracic fistula; According to time of occurrence, can be divided into early, middle and late fistula. There are special types of fistula including 'thoracic cavity'-stomach-bronchial fistula, 'thoracic cavity'-stomach-aortic fistula. Early diagnosis needs familiarity with various types of clinical gastrointestinal fistulas. However, Prevention of gastrointestinal fistula is better than cure, including perioperative nutritional support, respiratory tract management, and acid suppression, positive treatment of complications, antibiotic prophylaxis, and gastrointestinal decompression and eating timing. Prevention can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal fistula. Collectively, early diagnosis and treatment, nutritional supports are key to reducing mortality of gastrointestinal fistula.

Reliable management of post-esophagectomy anastomotic fistula with endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage.

BACKGROUND: A gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula remains a potentially life-threatening post-esophagectomy complication. To promote fistula closure, we developed a modified endoscopic method of trans-fistula drainage with persistent negative pressure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this endoscopic therapy. METHODS: Between June and November 2013, five male patients with post-surgical esophageal leakages who had undergone trans-fistula drainage therapy were treated with the modified endoscopic trans-fistula negative pressure drainage (E-TNPD) method. We placed a nasogastric silicone tube into the paraesophageal cavity through the fistula and accomplished drainage of the infected effusion with continuous negative pressure, resulting in shrinkage of the para-anastomotic cavity and eventual fistula closure. We withdrew the trans-fistula drainage when there were no signs of leakage, as confirmed by esophagography. Final closure was confirmed by esophagography before the patient was allowed to begin oral intake. RESULTS: E-TNPD was successful in all five patients. The median duration of drainage until tube removal was 34 days (range: 18 to 81 days). The duration for Cases 1 to 4 was 18 to 28 days. Case 5 suffered from multiple separate leaks at the anastomotic site and the gastric conduit. Complete restoration was achieved in 81 days for this patient. We found that in general, the earlier that trans-fistula drainage was established, the shorter the duration of hospitalization until complete defect closure. CONCLUSIONS: E-TNPD provided reliable and convenient management of post-surgical gastroesophageal anastomotic fistula and esophageal perforation. This method promoted fistula closure and prevented unnecessary repeated endoscopic examinations, extra equipment and expense.

Use of oral gadobenate dimeglumine to visualise the oesophagus during magnetic resonance angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation prior to catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND: Atrio-oesophageal fistula was first reported as a fatal complication of surgical endocardial and percutaneous endocardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation, with an incidence after catheter ablation between 0.03% and 0.5%. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was usually performed to obtain pre-procedural 3D images, used to merging into an electro-anatomical map, guiding step-by-step ablation strategy of AF. Our aim was to find an easy, safe and cost-effective way to enhance the oesophagus during MRA. METHODS: In 105 consecutive patients, a right-left phase encoding, free breathing, 3D T1 MRA sequence was performed in the axial plane, >24 hours before catheter ablation, using an intravenous injection of gadobenate dimeglumine contrast medium. The oesophagus was enhanced using an oral gel solution of 0.7 mL gadobenate dimeglumine contrast medium mixed with approximately 40 mg thickened water gel, which was swallowed by the patients on the scanning table, immediately before the MRA sequence acquisition. RESULTS: The visualisation of the oesophagus was obtained in 104/105 patients and images were successfully merged, as left atrium and pulmonary veins, into an electro-anatomical map, during percutaneous endocardial radiofrequency ablation. All patients tolerated the study protocol and no immediate or late complication was observed with the oral contrast agent administration. The free-breathing MRA sequence used in our protocol took 7 seconds longer than MRA breath-hold conventional sequence. CONCLUSION: Oesophagus visualization with oral gadobenate dimeglumine is feasible for integration of oesophagus anatomy images into the electro-anatomical map during AF ablation, without undesirable side effects and without significantly increasing cost or examination time.

Assessment of oesophageal position by direct visualization with luminal contrast compared with segmentation from pre-acquired computed tomography scan-implications for ablation strategy.

AIMS: Atrio-oesophageal fistula is a rare but often fatal complication of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Various strategies are employed to evaluate the oesophageal position in relation to the posterior left atrium (LA). These include segmentation of the oesophagus from a pre-acquired computed tomography (CT) scan and direct, real-time assessment of the oesophageal position using contrast at the time of the procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients with drug-refractory AF underwent CT scanning prior to AF ablation. The LA and oesophagus were segmented from this scan. The oesophagus was deemed midline, ostial if it crossed directly behind any of the pulmonary vein (PV) ostia, or antral if it passed within 5 mm of a PV ostium. Under general anaesthesia at the time of ablation, the same patients were administered contrast via an oro-gastric tube to outline the oesophagus. Catheters were placed at the PV ostia and oesophageal position in relation to the PVs was established radiographically using a postero-anterior view. Oesophageal position assessed by real-time assessment correlated with the CT scan in only 59% of patients. In 34% the oesophagus was more right sided on direct visualization, while in 7% it was more left sided. CONCLUSION: Segmentation of the oesophagus from the CT scan did not correlate the real-time oesophageal position at the time of the procedure in over 40% of patients under general anaesthesia. Reliance on the determination of oesophageal position by previously acquired CT may be misleading at best and provide a false sense of security when ablating in the posterior LA.

Esophageal bypass operation prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy in advanced esophageal cancer with tracheobronchial invasion.

BACKGROUND: In T4 esophageal cancer with tracheobronchial invasion, an esophagorespiratory fistula (ERF) often occurs during or after chemoradiotherapy. We have performed esophageal bypass operations prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy for these patients to increase the chemoradiotherapy completion rate by minimizing the potential effect of an ERF. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical outcome of esophageal bypass surgery prior to chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2010, 17 patients underwent esophageal bypass surgery followed by definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer with tracheobronchial invasion (bypass group). Ten patients in the same circumstances were treated with chemoradiotherapy alone (control group). Overall survival, the clinical effect of chemoradiotherapy, the ERF incidence rate, and the safety of esophageal bypass surgery were assessed. RESULTS: The overall response rate to chemoradiotherapy was 64.7% in the bypass group and 90.0% in the control group. Except for 2 patients with ERF at initial diagnosis, 4 (26.7%) of the 15 patients developed ERF in the bypass group, and 3 (30.0%) of the 10 patients developed ERF in the control group during or after chemoradiotherapy. The 2-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 17.6% and 17.6% in the bypass group and 20.0% and 0% in the control group, respectively (p = 0.924); long-term survival of more than 3 years was seen only in the bypass group. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal bypass surgery prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy could be performed safely, and this strategy contributed to long-term survival in the patients who achieved a good response to chemoradiotherapy but developed an ERF.

Causes, treatment and prevention of esophageal fistulas in anterior cervical spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the causes, treatment and prevention of esophageal fistulas after anterior cervical spine surgery. METHOD: Between January 2004 and December 2011, 5 of 2348 patients who underwent anterior cervical surgery in our hospital developed esophageal fistulas (three male and two female patients, average age 34 years). Their diagnoses were cervical injuries (three), cervical spondylosis (one) and cervical tuberculosis (one). Their esophageal fistulas were treated by debridement and exploratory surgery, primary suturing of the perforation and/or sternocleidomastoid myoplasty. If conservative treatment failed or esophageal fistula recurred, plate removal was offered. Postoperative treatment included esophageal rest, enteral nutrition, wound drainage, and antibiotics. Methylene blue was used to evaluate results. RESULT: An esophageal fistula was discovered during anterior cervical surgery in one patient and primary suturing performed. In four patients, fistulas were diagnosed after anterior cervical decompression and fusion. In one of these, only debridement and exploratory surgery were required. In another, a perforation was sutured during debridement and exploratory surgery. In the third, internal fixation was removed because of failure of prolonged conservative treatment. In the fourth, the esophageal fistula recurred repeatedly; he required removal of the hardware and reinforcement with a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. At 6-48 months follow-up, all patients were in good condition, symptom free, and without cervical instability or infectious spondylitis. CONCLUSION: Successful management of esophageal fistula after anterior cervical spinal surgery depends on primary closure of the perforation with or without muscle flaps, surgical drainage, esophageal rest and nutritional support, and removal of hardware if necessary. Prevention consists of careful surgery and gentle tissue handling.