Graft preservation with multi-stage surgical repair of an aortoesophageal fistula after thoracic endovascular aortic repair - A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a rare complication associated with high mortality. Most well established treatment is multi-staged surgery, including removal of infected stent graft, esophageal resection and aortic reconstruction.

Presentation of case: We report on a case of a 67-year-old patient with AEF and stent graft infection. Stent removal was infeasible due to the critical condition of the patient and history of multiple vascular procedures of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Surgical management included staged right and left thoracotomy, esophagectomy, vacuum therapy (VAC) on stent prosthesis and subsequent graft coverage with omental and pleural flaps, followed by esophageal reconstruction.

Discussion: An established and generally accepted treatment approach for graft infections does not exist. Graft explantation and radical surgical debridement is the therapy of choice for prosthetic infections. In comparison to previous literature, our case represents the complexity of the treatment of AEF and its enormous demands on the interdisciplinary medical team.

Conclusion: Our report shows that in an emergency situation without other surgical options as in our case, it was possible to stabilize the patient through application of vacuum therapy in the infected area, with simultaneous esophagectomy, followed by secondary staged reconstruction with omentoplasty and pleura parietalis flap remaining the graft in situ.