Diagnosis and treatment of esophageal fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery

To evaluate the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery.Thirteen cases with esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery were studied.The causes includes: (1) During the operation, esophagus was oppressed by a clasp for so long time that made a pressure necrosis of the esophagus; (2) Esophagus was injured by loose plates and screws; (3) Loose bone grafts oppressed esophagus; (4) Esophagus was injured by operative appliance in the operation; (5) Esophagus was oppressed by the plate.After anterior cervical spine surgery if patients had a high fever, sore throat, swelling incision, and food sediment was found in the incision, esophagocutaneous fistula should be considered. The final diagnosis could be done by esophageal radiography.Fasting cure, nasogastric tube and wound drainage should be used; When the inflammation ended, patients should undergo operation of closure of the esophageal fistula.The esophagocutaneous fistula in anterior cervical spine surgery has several causes mentioned above. We should take precautionary measures to avoid the complication, and use appropriate treatment to cure when it happens.PubMed0211319-214