Formation of a tracheoesophageal common channel after alkaline injury.

Abstract

We describe tracheoesophageal common channel formation in a 40-year-old woman who swallowed alkaline detergent. Necrosis and fistula formation between the posterior tracheal wall and the anterior esophageal wall were visualized by panendoscopy 15 days after the injury. Urgent tracheostomy, tube hypopharyngostomy, gastrostomy, and feeding jejunostomy were performed. Tracheoesophageal common channel formed by anterior tracheal wall and posterior esophageal wall was visualized by bronchoscopy at 48 days after the injury. Progression was observed by a panendoscopy, bronchoscopy, and chest computed tomography. Sequelae included trismus, obliteration of laryngopharynx, proximal cervical esophagus, and thoracic esophagus below the carina, stomach stricture, and scarring of the scalp, neck, back, and thighs.