Tracheoesophageal fistula after intubation due to COVID-19: Endoscopic treatment

Acquired non-malignant tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare disease that has high levels of morbidity and mortality, and the etiology of TEF remains unclear. Better knowledge of predisposing factors such as traumatic intubation, high endotracheal tube cuff pressure, inflammation, and infection of COVID-19 could reduce the number of cases of acquired TEF. In this case report, a 36-year-old male patient who developed a TEF after intubation as a result of COVID-19 is presented. After short-term intubation, the TEF detected by neck CT and fluoroscopy was successfully closed with an endoscopic intervention using an over-the-scope clip and no leak was detected at the 6-month follow-up.