Acquired tracheo - esophageal fistula caused by a denture

A majority of the cases of acquired tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) are a result of complication of malignancy. Acquired non-malignant TEFs result from a variety of causes. Among these causes, the most common is iatrogenic that results from prolonged tracheal intubation. Denture impaction of the esophagus resulting in the development of an acquired TEF is rare. Whatever be the cause, the diagnosis of a TEF is a surgical emergency because delay in treatment can r sult in devastating pulmonary complications from aspiration through the TEF. Surgical treatment of non-malignant TEFs usually gives good results. An unusual case of non-resolving pneumonia resulting from recurrent aspiration through an acquired TEF caused by an accidentally swallowed denture is reported here. Patient’s pneumonia resolved completely following the surgical correction of the fistula.