Endotracheal tube-esophageal stent interaction in tracheoesophageal fistula: A rare complication.

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a life-threatening complication that may develop following prolonged intubation. Consequently, the importance of early diagnosis and intervention cannot be overstated. In the presence of TEF, orotracheal intubation (OTI) must be performed with the utmost caution. In patients with post-intubation respiratory failure or gastric distension, it is important to consider the risk of the endotracheal tube (ETT) penetrating the esophagus through the TEF. We describe the case of a 57-year-old female patient with a history of prolonged intubation. The ETT entered the esophagus through the TEF and abutted an esophageal stent that had been placed after the TEF diagnosis, resulting in respiratory failure. The patient improved following endoscopic evaluation and intervention. This case illustrates a rare complication that can occur during intubation in patients with TEF.