# Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for adult benign idiopathic bronchoesophageal fistula: a report of two cases

## TL;DR

Two adult cases of rare bronchoesophageal fistulas were successfully treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

## Contribution

Presents a novel surgical approach using thoracoscopic techniques for treating idiopathic bronchoesophageal fistulas.

## Key findings

- Thoracoscopic surgery successfully resected the fistulas in two adult patients.
- No postoperative complications were observed in either patient.
- Videofluoroscopy was effective in identifying the abnormal tracts.

## Abstract

We described two cases with idiopathic bronchoesophageal fistula presented recurrent postprandial coughing. Abnormal tracts connecting the oesophagus and bronchus were identified by videofluoroscopy. Thoracoscopic surgery was successfully performed, which involved the resection of the fistula and the interposition of a pedicle of viable parietal pleura between oesophageal and bronchial closures. Neither patient experienced symptoms of any subsequent complications.

Adult bronchoesophageal fistula (BEF) is a rare condition that is typically secondary to various pathologies, including tumours, trauma and diverticula [1, 2].