40-year-old Indian expat overcomes life-threatening burns and rare condition with groundbreaking surgery

Mumbai: A 40-year-old Indian expat, who suffered severe facial burns in a workplace accident, has regained his health and dignity after a rare and complex surgery in October 2024.

About the case

The accident, which left him with life-threatening burns to his face and neck, required prolonged ventilator support and multiple procedures. As his injuries gradually healed, he developed a persistent cough, especially when consuming food or drinks. Upon his return to India, doctors diagnosed him with a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in April 2024.

“This rare condition, characterized by an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus, was the result of the prolonged intubation required after his accident,” said Dr. Prriya Eshpuniyani, his surgeon.

Once at Fortis Hospital in Navi Mumbai, a team of pulmonologists, Dr. Shahid Patel and Dr. Dhanaji, confirmed the size and location of the 1.5 cm fistula, an abnormal connection between organs.

“Our gastroenterologists tried non-surgical procedures, including closures and clips. However, these attempts were unsuccessful, leaving the patient dependent on a feeding tube for more than ten months. This dependency not only hampered his physical and social well-being, but also delayed his return to work, causing significant financial strain,” Eshpuniyani said.

Dr. Prriya Eshpuniyani on tracheoesophageal fistula

She explained that TEFs are often associated with advanced cancer conditions, with palliative stent placement being the common approach. “However, in the case of this patient, where the condition was benign and acquired by intubation, surgery was the best option. These surgeries are very complex and require anatomical precision, meticulous technique and collaborative teamwork. Success is not always guaranteed as high failure rates are reported worldwide,” said Dr. Eshpuniyani.

The patient underwent surgery on October 1. “On October 10, he was able to taste coconut water without coughing,” says Dr Eshpuniyani.