Perspective on airway stenting in inoperable patients with tracheoesophageal fistula after curative-intent treatment for esophageal cancer

The term esophago-respiratory fistula, aero-digestive and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) have been used to describe the abnormal connection of the airways with the digestive system as this connection can be between the bronchus or the trachea and the esophagus or stomach. In patients who are post esophagectomy, aero-gastric fistula (usually tracheo-gastric) can develop between the gastric pull up and the airway (trachea or main stem bronchi).