ABSTRACT
Treating a patient with malignant esophago-respiratory fistulae can be challenging. The primary aim is to stop the respiratory contamination and establish nutrition. The incidence of esophagus-to-airway fistula is reported 5%–10% for patients with of esophageal and 1% of patients with lung cancer. Tumor necrosis as a result radiation and/or chemotherapy is often the cause. The underlying primary cancer determines the ultimate prognosis. When the underlying tumor is effectively treated, aggressive treatment including of radical surgery should be entertained in a patient otherwise can tolerate operative intervention.
