Successful tubes treatment of esophageal fistula

To discuss the merits of "tubes treatment" for esophageal fistula (EF). A 66-year-old female who suffered from a bronchoesophageal and esophagothoratic fistula underwent a successful "three tubes treatment" (close chest drainage, negative pressure suction at the leak, and nasojejunal feeding tube), combination of antibiotics, antacid drugs and nutritional support. Another 55-year-old male patient developed an esophagopleural fistula (EPF) after esophageal carcinoma operation. He too was treated conservatively with the three tubes strategy as mentioned above towards a favorable outcome. The two patients recovered with the tubes treatment, felt well and became able to eat and drink, presenting no complaint. Tubes treatment is an effective basic way for EF. It may be an alternative treatment option.