Staged resection and reconstruction following definitive chemoradiotherapy for perforated cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer with mediastinal abscess

Esophageal perforation with mediastinal abscess formation is a potentially life-threatening complication after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with esophageal cancer. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer who had previously undergone distal gastrectomy. Definitive CRT was initially performed since the patient refused laryngectomy. However, she developed an esophageal fistula and a subsequent cervico-mediastinal abscess, which made oral intake impossible. In order to address the fistula, abscess, and cancer, we decided to perform a staged operation. The patient first underwent total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy and abscess drainage. She next underwent esophageal reconstruction with an ileocolonic conduit through a subcutaneous route. The patient is currently alive and well after surgery. This case suggests that surgical resection may be performed in high-risk patients with cervico-thoracic esophageal cancer via a two-stage operation.