Areas of Special Expertise

Tracheoesophageal fistula

Tracheoesophageal fistula (or TEF) is another abnormal connection, in this case between the esophagus and the trachea or airway. As can be easily imagined, such a connection will lead to passage of any swallowed material into the lungs which results in recurrent pneumonia or infection. These fistulas in adult patients are usually caused by tumors, radiation treatment for tumors, surgery, or a combination of those causes. Many patients with TEF are too sick with cancer or other diseases to get a durable repair using surgery. Just like in BPF, many patients are told "nothing can be done"; but this may not really be the case if an experienced surgeon has not evaluated the patient. Get a second opinion if you are not willing to accept that "nothing can be done."