Analysis of Postural Drainage Treatment for Esophagomediastinal Fistula: a report of 21 cases

Objective: To evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of postural drainage for esophagomediastinal fistula. Methods: From January 1992 to March 1996, there were 21 patients for esophagomediastinal fistula among 1461 patients for esophageal carcinoma. Fistula position of 21 cases were defined by rotating simulator boom to observe the fistula in barium swallow examination, then according to the fistula position to arrange postural drainage. Results: In one month, chest pain remission 85.7 %(18/21), abatement of fever 77.8 %(7/9), fistula healing 85.7 %(18/21). 3 、6 、12 month survival rates of 21 cases were 90.5 %、66.7 %、33.3 %. Conclusion: Postural drainage could impel esophagomediastinal fistula to heal, influencing factor of esophagomediastinal fistula healing were the shape the length the diameter of the fistula and mediastinitis.