Abstract: Objective To explore the symptom experiences and coping strategies of elderly patients with esophageal cancer complicated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and to provide references for the development of clinical interventions. Methods Using the phenomenological research method, 17 patients with esophageal cancer complicated with TEF, were recruited from January to December 2024. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to analyze, summarize and refine the themes of interview data. Results Four themes were extracted, including symptom experience (respiratory symptoms, sleep deprivation, fatigue, enteral nutrition-related discomfort), emotional and cognitive experience (psychological distress, illness cognition restructuring, perceived social support), coping strategies (active coping, social isolation), unmet support needs (disease-related information, transitional care). Conclusions Elderly patients with TEF experience multiple burdens and needs, suggesting that medical staff should optimize symptom management strategies, address negative emotions proactively, cultivate positive psychological resources, and strengthen information support and transitional care to alleviate symptoms, enhance disease coping capacities and promote physical and mental well-being.    

Key words: tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal cancer, symptom experiences, coping, qualitative study