Successful endobronchial treatment of a non-healing tracheoesophageal fistula from a previous histoplasmosis capsulatum infection using decellularized porcine urinary bladder matrix(†)

Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEF) are pathologic communications between the esophagus and the trachea or bronchi. The development of a TEF can result from malignant or benign etiologies. A common approach for the treatment of TEFs is the placement of endobronchial and esophageal stents to facilitate healing of the communication. This case report describes the successful treatment of a TEF resulting from calcified mediastinal lymphadenopathy due to a previous Histoplasmosis capsulatum infection. In addition to placement of endobronchial and esophageal stents, the non-healing TEF was treated with ACell (Gentrix(®)) decellularized porcine urinary bladder matrix to facilitate complete closure of the fistulous tract.