Thoracic empyema and lung abscess resulting from gastropulmonary fistula as a complication of esophagectomy

A benign fistula between the gastric tube and the airway resulting from esophagectomy is a rare complication, but it is a potentially life-threatening status. We present a 59-year-old man with thoracic empyema and lung abscess resulting from a benign gastric tube-to-pulmonary fistula caused by a penetration of the peptic ulcer in the gastric tube four years after an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. After a thorough conservative management of infection and nutrition, the fistula was successfully repaired surgically with direct closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two years and nine months later, the patient retains satisfactory oral feeding status and is in good general condition.