Chronic Dysphagia and Esophageal Deformities Following Multiple Thoracotomies: A Case Report

Abstract

Esophageal anatomic deformities are difficult to manage and usually develop after malignancy, surgical complications, or radiotherapy. This case is rarely seen in
the literature due to the esophageal deformities, including refractory fistula and distal dilatation, that develop after multiple thoracotomies. A 77-year-old female
patient with a history of 8 thoracotomies (4 right, 4 left) and radiotherapy was admitted with complaints of chronic dysphagia. The patient had previously undergone 3 endoscopic balloon dilations owing to complaints of dysphagia and esophageal stricture following an iatrogenic esophageal perforation. An endoscopy
was performed and revealed marked dilation in the proximal esophagus and a fistula in the distal. Oral contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed dilation
of the esophagus to 75 × 66 millimeters (mm). This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and shows that even complex anatomical
changes may be managed conservatively in clinically stable patients.

Cite this article as: Şahin H, Akpınar MY. Chronic dysphagia and esophageal deformities following multiple thoracotomies: a case report.
Diagn Interv Endosc, 2025; 4(1), 0150, DOI:10.5152/DiagnIntervEndosc.2025.25150.