Multidisciplinary management of early esophageal fistula after anterior cervical spine surgery: a case report emphasizing team-based care.

Background: Early esophageal fistula formation following anterior cervical spine surgery presents a formidable clinical challenge, necessitating astute rehabilitative nursing management. Such fistulas, if not promptly and effectively managed, can precipitate grave complications including mediastinitis, sepsis, respiratory failure, and, in severe instances, mortality. This underscores the critical need for immediate, comprehensive nursing interventions designed to mitigate these risks and enhance patient outcomes. Esophageal fistula is a rare but consequential complication after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), with numerous pathogenetic factors. Proactive preventive and interventional treatments are the key to rapid recovery.

Case Report: In this case report, a 64-year-old female was discharged from the hospital 82 days after surgery with full recovery after a personalized rehabilitation care program based on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept.

Conclusion: It is important to consider follow-up in patients with spontaneously healed esophageal perforations. Aggressive prevention, early identification, and interventional treatment are key to reducing postoperative pain and facilitating recovery.