Battery swallow-induced tracheoesophageal fistula in a pediatric patient

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus. Rare acquired TEF arises from trauma, caustic fluids ingestion, and iatrogenic injuries (ventilation, esophageal atresia repair, radiation, or tracheal/esophageal stents). We discuss the diagnosis, anesthetic management, and surgical correction of battery swallow-induced TEF, not previously reported in the pediatric anesthesia and otorhinolaryngology literatures.