Tracheal penetration and tracheoesophageal fistula caused by an esophageal self-expanding metallic stent.

[esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Tracheal penetration of esophageal self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS ) with /without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF ) formation is a rare occurrence . We report the case of a 66 -year -old female patient with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone palliative esophageal stenting on three occasions for recurrent esophageal stent obstruction . On evaluation of symptoms of breathing difficulty and aspiration following third esophageal stent placement , tracheal erosion and TEF formation due to the tracheal penetration by esophageal stent were diagnosed . The patient was successfully managed by covered tracheal SEMS placement under flexible bronchoscopy .