A case of a gastrobronchial fistula after esophageal reconstruction successfully closed with an intercostal muscle flap

A 63-year-old man with esophageal cancer underwent a subtotal esophagectomy via the thoracolaparotomy approach. Two years after the operation, a gastrobronchial fistula unexpectedly occurred in the right bronchus. After admission, medication including omeprazole and nutritional support administered through an enteral tube improved his general condition, and the gastrobronchial fistula was successfully closed with the seventh intercostal muscle flap. After the operation, sputa were aspirated with a bronchofiberscope through a tracheal incision rather than blindly with a catheter. He was in good condition 10 months after the operation.