Esophageal Fistula Treatment in Turkey
About Esophageal Fistula
Key Highlights
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Addresses a life-threatening condition that causes severe aspiration and recurrent lung infections.Utilizes advanced endoscopic techniques for minimally invasive diagnosis and, in some cases, treatment.Aims to restore the normal anatomical barrier between the esophagus and airway.Multidisciplinary approach often involving gastroenterologists, thoracic surgeons, and radiologists for optimal care.Can significantly improve quality of life by allowing safe oral intake and preventing respiratory complications.
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent episodes of pneumonia or lung abscesses, especially after eating or drinking.
- Coughing or choking immediately upon swallowing (symptom of aspiration).
- Complication of esophageal cancer or its treatment (radiation/chemotherapy).
- As a sequela of prolonged mechanical ventilation or traumatic injury to the chest/esophagus.
- Congenital abnormalities present from birth (e.g., tracheoesophageal fistula in newborns).
- Severe infection or inflammation eroding through the esophageal wall.
How to prepare
- Complete diagnostic workup including CT scan with oral contrast and upper endoscopy to precisely locate the fistula.
- Nutritional assessment; temporary feeding via a nasogastric or jejunal tube may be required to bypass the fistula.
- Management of any active lung infection with appropriate antibiotics.
- Pre-operative counseling with the surgical and anesthesia teams regarding the planned approach (endoscopic vs. open surgery).
- Standard pre-surgical checks: blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for anesthesia.
- Fasting as instructed, typically 6-8 hours for solids and 2 hours for clear liquids before the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Failure to completely close the fistula, leading to persistent leakage and infection.
- Injury to surrounding structures like the trachea, major blood vessels, or recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- Infection at the surgical site or development of mediastinitis (chest cavity infection).
- Leakage from the surgical repair site or stent migration/dislodgement.
- Stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus after repair, causing swallowing difficulties.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia, such as respiratory or cardiac complications.
- Recurrence of the fistula, especially in cases related to ongoing cancer or inflammation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital with close monitoring of vital signs and for signs of leak or infection.
- Nutrition is provided intravenously or via a feeding tube until a swallow study confirms the repair is secure.
- Gradual advancement of diet from clear liquids to soft foods under medical guidance.
- Pain management with prescribed medications.
- Respiratory therapy and incentive spirometry to prevent lung complications.
- Follow-up endoscopies or imaging may be scheduled to monitor healing.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks as advised by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay:
7-14 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering esophageal fistula in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for esophageal fistula in Turkey include Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa, VM Medical Park Pendik Hastanesi, Medical Park Trabzon, Medical Park Bahçelievler, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform esophageal fistula. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for esophageal fistula compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Esophageal Fistula in Turkey
These partner hospitals in Turkey have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing esophageal fistula.
Instabul, Turkey
117 Doctors
Ananya Ali, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Ananya Ali, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had a history of severe acid reflux. For six months, she experienced worsening chest pain, a chronic cough, and frequent bouts of choking when drinking liquids. After a barium swallow test, her gastroenterologist, Dr. Chen, diagnosed an esophageal fistula, an abnormal connection between her esophagus and trachea, likely caused by long-term erosive damage from reflux. Dr. Chen recommended an endoscopic closure procedure to seal the fistula, explaining that leaving it untreated risked severe lung infections. Ananya was terrified of the anesthesia and the idea of a scope going down her throat. The procedure itself, under sedation, was painless. She spent one night in the hospital on IV antibiotics and a liquid diet. Within a week, her choking episodes stopped, and her cough cleared. The relief was profound. The constant fear of choking was replaced by a cautious optimism, and she felt she could finally be fully present for her children again without the shadow of her symptoms.
Gastroenterologists for Esophageal Fistula
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform esophageal fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.
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