Malignant tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF) can result from tumour progression and invasion of adjacent organs, or a complication of treatment. In the posttreatment setting, incidence of TEF in cases with preceding airway invasion (T4b) are not infrequently reported; however, for those for whom disease was confined to organ (T1-3) at staging, this is a rare complication. Management for these cases is palliative in nature, with the goal to prevent aspiration by closing the connection and facilitate safe resumption of oral intake where possible.
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