Citation

Weiman DS, Walker WA, Brosnan KM, Pate JW, Fabian TC. South. Med. J. 1996; 89(2): 208-211.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis 38163-2116, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Southern Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8578352

Abstract

During a 5-year period between 1988 and 1993, nine patients with combined tracheal and esophageal injuries were treated at our institution. All injuries resulted from gunshot wounds and all were repaired. All patients survived, but complications included one tracheoesophageal fistula. Combined injuries of the trachea and esophagus should be repaired primarily, and drains do not necessarily have to be placed. The benefits of a muscle flap placed between the repairs were not confirmed in this series. Complications should be recognized early and treated aggressively to minimize damage to the airway.

Language: en