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Syed MK, Al Faqeeh AA, Othman A, Almas T, Khedro T, Alsufyani R, Almubarak D, Al Faqeh R, Syed S, Syed SK. Management of Early Post-Operative Complications of Esophageal Atresia With Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Retrospective Study. Cureus 2020; 12:e11904. [PMID: 33415055 PMCID: PMC7781882 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare congenital malformation of the trachea and the esophagus. While the condition can result in a debilitating clinical picture, its outcomes have significantly ameliorated in recent times. The diminishing mortality associated with the disease can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including surgical advances, specialized anesthetic care, and categorical ventilator provision. These advances have resulted in increased survival rates even in premature infants who present with exceedingly low birth weights. Nevertheless, the mortality surrounding the condition still remains exceedingly high in some parts of the world, including the Middle East and Asia. The aim of the present study is to identify and outline the management of the postoperative complications that are intricately linked with soaring mortality rates. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study, three years in duration, of all the patients who were operated for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula. The exclusion criteria included patients who died before the operation and those who were referred to other centers for management. The study evaluated several factors, including the various postoperative complications, their adept management, and the eventual outcomes. Data pertaining to the patient demographics, treatment, and radiological and laboratory findings was obtained and eventually analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) software. Results The present study included a total of 12 cases diagnosed in our hospital during the aforementioned study period. Of these patients, two patients (16.7%) died before operation because of associated severe congenital anomalies such as cardiac pathologies. Three patients were referred to other centers for management. These patients were excluded from our analysis. The remaining seven patients were included in our analysis. In our study, gastroesophageal reflux was the most common postoperative complication and was noted in six patients. Leakage of anastomosis was noted in two patients. Lung collapse was noted in merely one patient and was thus the least common complication. The overall mortality rate hovered around 28.6%. Conclusions While most patients who are surgically managed for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula develop postoperative complications, these complications are amenable to conservative management through the means of antibiotics, ventilator support, and total parenteral nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Talal Almas
- Internal Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IRL
| | - Tarek Khedro
- Internal Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IRL
| | - Reema Alsufyani
- Internal Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IRL
| | - Dana Almubarak
- Internal Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IRL
| | | | - Saifullah Syed
- Internal Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, IRL
| | - Sabahat K Syed
- Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, PAK
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Pediatric surgical capacity in Africa: Current status and future needs. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:843-848. [PMID: 28168989 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND African pediatric surgery (PS) faces multiple challenges. Information regarding existing resources is limited. We surveyed African pediatric surgeons to determine available resources and clinical, educational, and collaborative needs. METHODS Members of the Pan-African Pediatric Surgical Association (PAPSA) and the Global Pediatric Surgery Network (GPSN) completed a structured email survey covering PS providers, facilities, resources, workload, education/training, disease patterns, and collaboration priorities. RESULTS Of 288 deployed surveys, 96 were completed (33%) from 26 countries (45% of African countries). Median PS providers/million included 1 general surgeon and 0.26 pediatric surgeons. Median pediatric facilities/million included 0.03 hospitals, 0.06 ICUs, and 0.17 surgical wards. Neonatal ventilation was available in 90% of countries, fluoroscopy in 70%, TPN in 50%, and frozen section pathology in 35%. Median surgical procedures/institution/year was 852. Median waiting time was 40days for elective procedures and 7 days? for emergencies. Weighted average percent mortality for key surgical conditions varied between 1% (Sierra Leone) and 54% (Burkina Faso). Providers ranked collaborative professional development highest and direct clinical care lowest priority in projects with high-income partners. CONCLUSIONS The broad deficits identified in PS human and material resources in Africa suggest the need for a global collaborative effort to address the PS gaps. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 5, expert opinion without explicit critical appraisal.
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Vukadin M, Savic D, Malikovic A, Jovanovic D, Milickovic M, Bosnic S, Vlahovic A. Analysis of Prognostic Factors and Mortality in Children with Esophageal Atresia. Indian J Pediatr 2015; 82:586-90. [PMID: 25724502 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-015-1730-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The survival rate in newborns with congenital esophageal atresia (EA) is about 85-90 %, and it raises over 95 % in the developed countries. The survival rate in developing countries is much lower and the authors describe their experience with 60 newborns. METHODS Medical records of 60 newborns (40 boys and 20 girls) with congenital EA were reviewed for the prognostic factors and mortality. RESULTS The birth weight, mean Apgar score (AS) value, gestational age and birth-operative treatment time had significant influence on the mortality of treated patients (p < 0.05). Thirty five percent newborns had aspirational pneumonia at the moment of hospitalization and 86.7 % of them were operated during the first 48 h. The presence of associated anomalies considerably affected the death rate of treated patients (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was similar to those in developed countries but the total mortality was higher (28.3 %); sepsis being the main cause of mortality. The postoperative complications and sepsis significantly influenced the mortality of patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Total mortality in newborns with EA was high; sepsis being the most frequent cause of death. The high total mortality was also caused by prematurity, delay in diagnosis, increased incidence of the aspiration pneumonia and shortage of qualified nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Vukadin
- Institute for Mother and Child Health Care of Republic Serbia "Dr Vukan Cupic", Radoja Dakica 8 street, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Brookes JT, Smith MC, Smith RJH, Bauman NM, Manaligod JM, Sandler AD. H-type congenital tracheoesophageal fistula: University Of Iowa experience 1985 to 2005. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2007; 116:363-8. [PMID: 17561765 DOI: 10.1177/000348940711600508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We review the diagnostic workup, associated disorders, surgical technique, and postoperative course of patients who underwent repair of H-type tracheoesophageal fistulas. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who received a diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula at the University of Iowa. RESULTS Seven patients with an H-type tracheoesophageal fistula and a single patient with a missed proximal fistula associated with esophageal atresia were identified. Their symptoms included coughing with feeding, recurrent pneumonia, and episodic cyanosis. A delay in diagnosis was seen in 4 patients and ranged from 2.5 months to 5.9 years. In all patients, the diagnosis was made with an esophagogram. The level of the fistulas was between C5 and T3, and all were successfully repaired via a right cervical approach. CONCLUSIONS A high index of suspicion for an H-type tracheoesophageal fistula should be maintained in the presence of neonatal respiratory symptoms, as the condition can be associated with a delay in diagnosis. Repeat esophagograms and bronchoscopy may be required for diagnosis. In the postoperative period, airway obstruction is a potential risk; however, long-term difficulty with swallowing, respiration, and phonation was not observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Brookes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Al-Salem AH, Tayeb M, Khogair S, Roy A, Al-Jishi N, Alsenan K, Shaban H, Ahmad M. Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula: success and failure in 94 cases. Ann Saudi Med 2006; 26:116-9. [PMID: 16761448 PMCID: PMC6074158 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2006.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The management of newborns with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has evolved considerably over the years. Currently an overall survival of 85% to 90% has been reported from developed countries. In developing countries, several factors contribute to higher mortality rates. We describe our experience with 94 consecutive cases of EA with or without TEF. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively studied 94 patients with EA with or without TEF treated at our hospital over a period of 15 years. Medical records were reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, birth weight, associated anomalies, aspiration pneumonia, method of diagnosis, treatment, postoperative complications and outcome. RESULTS Ninety-four newborns (55 males and 39 females) with EA/TEF were treated at our hospital. Their mean birth weight was 2.2 kg (700 g to 3800 g). Age at diagnosis ranged from birth to 7 days. At the time of admission 37 (39.4%) had aspiration pneumonia. Associated anomalies were seen in 46 (49%) patients. Thirteen patients had major associated anomalies that contributed to mortality. Postoperative complications were similar to those from developed countries but overall operative mortality (30.8%) was high. CONCLUSIONS The overall mortality was high but excluding major congenital malformations, sepsis was the most frequent cause of death. Factors contributing to mortality included prematurity, delay in diagnosis with an increased incidence of aspiration pneumonia and a shortage of qualified nurses. To improve overall outcome, factors contributing to sepsis should be evaluated and efforts should be made to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H Al-Salem
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Maternity and Children Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
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Thomas EJ, Kumar R, Dasan JB, Chandrashekar N, Agarwala S, Tripathi M, Bal CS. Radionuclide scintigraphy in the evaluation of gastro-oesophageal reflux in post-operative oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula patients. Nucl Med Commun 2003; 24:317-20. [PMID: 12612473 DOI: 10.1097/00006231-200303000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is a major cause of morbidity in children who undergo surgical repair for oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF). We performed a retrospective analysis to determine the incidence of GOR on radionuclide scintigraphy in symptomatic and asymptomatic OA/TOF patients in the first post-operative year. A total of 124 patients (74 males, 50 females), with a mean age of 3.5 months (range, 20 days to 12 months), were studied. Of these 124 patients, 67 were symptomatic and 57 were asymptomatic. On radionuclide scintigraphy, 73 patients (48 symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic) had reflux. Of the 48 symptomatic patients with scintigraphic studies positive for reflux, 79.2% (38) had proximal reflux and 20.8% (10) had distal reflux, whereas, of the 57 asymptomatic patients, 48% (12) had proximal reflux and 52% (13) had distal reflux. There was a significantly higher incidence of GOR in symptomatic children than in asymptomatic children (P<0.01). In particular, there was a significantly higher incidence of proximal GOR in symptomatic children than in asymptomatic children (P<0.001). In conclusion, the severity and incidence of GOR were significantly higher in symptomatic than asymptomatic OA/TOF patients in their first post-operative year. Scintigraphic evidence of proximal reflux correlates with the presence of symptomatic GOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Thomas
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to obtain the parents' view of aortopexy after esophageal atresia. METHODS A questionnaire was completed by the parents of 24 former patients, now aged from 1 to 15 years (average, 8.9; median, 9.0 years). The respondents were all members of a support group. RESULTS The median age of the patients receiving aortopexy was 4 months. The 24 procedures were performed in 16 different hospitals. The subjects had experienced a median of 3 apneic attacks. Technical complications occurred in 4 of the 24 children. In 71%, aortopexy was an immediate success. CONCLUSION Despite its low success rate compared with centers with large cumulative experience, 90% of parents were satisfied with the result.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schier
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Jena, Germany
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Yanchar NL, Gordon R, Cooper M, Dunlap H, Soucy P. Significance of the clinical course and early upper gastrointestinal studies in predicting complications associated with repair of esophageal atresia. J Pediatr Surg 2001; 36:815-22. [PMID: 11329597 DOI: 10.1053/jpsu.2001.22969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE In many centers, use of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast studies in the early postoperative period after esophageal atresia (EA) repair is considered routine. Indications for this are many, including searching for existing problems and predicting future complications. However, most major complications, both early and late, usually are identified clinically before any radiologic studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that may anticipate the development of postoperative complications after EA repair, looking particularly at the predictive value of routine early postoperative UGI studies. METHODS A total of 111 consecutive cases of EA were identified retrospectively over a 10-year period from 2 major Canadian pediatric health centers. One hundred one were associated with a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), of which, 90 had repairs. Ninety-seven percent of these had a UGI study at a median of 9.1 postoperative days (range, 2 to 23) before consideration of oral feeding. Charts were reviewed looking at patient variables, surgical factors, early UGI findings, and postoperative courses. Complications that required intervention were noted, including anastomotic leaks, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), strictures, and recurrent and missed fistulae. All initial UGI studies were reexamined by 1 of 2 pediatric radiologists. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between these clinical and radiologic variables and outcomes. RESULTS Of the variables analyzed, univariate analysis showed clinically significant leaks to be associated with intraoperative factors (subjective degree of anastomotic tension, and the use of myotomies) and early postoperative clinical evidence suggesting a leak. In a multivariate model, all remained independently significant except for the use of myotomies. Later development of clinically significant GER also was associated with the degree of tension. It had no relationship, however, with findings of dysmotility, esophageal shortening, or reflux at the initial UGI study. Development of a stricture requiring dilatations or resection was associated with a history of clinically evident GER only; no relationships were seen with a history of an anastomotic leak or any other clinical, operative, or radiographic variables. Missed or recurrent fistulae were all suspected clinically before radiologic confirmation. CONCLUSIONS Early and late complications after repair of EA can be identified and potentially anticipated based on clinical findings at the time of repair and during the postoperative period. The use of early "routine" UGI studies, with no suspicion of a problem, has little value in terms of predicting complications or future clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Yanchar
- Division of Pediatric General Surgery, IWK-Grace Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Beasley SW. Does postoperative ventilation have an effect on the integrity of the anastomosis in repaired oesophageal atresia? J Paediatr Child Health 1999; 35:120-2. [PMID: 10365344 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1754.1999.00313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several authors have claimed that the use of postoperative ventilation or graded withdrawal of respiratory support reduces the incidence of anastomotic complications after repair of oesophageal atresia, particularly where the gap between the oesophageal ends has been extensive or where the anastomosis has been constructed under tension. Careful review of their data reveals little objective evidence to either support or refute this contention. Many institutions are achieving low leakage rates following oesophageal anastomosis in oesophageal atresia, but to date there has been no controlled study to show that the use of neck flexion, muscle paralysis, intubation and assisted ventilation postoperatively influences the integrity of the anastomosis. The sequence of observations that led to the presumed relationship between postoperative ventilation and oesophageal leak is reviewed. It would appear that the effect of postoperative ventilation and paralysis on the oesophageal anastomosis is yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Beasley
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand.
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Bergmeijer JH, Hazebroek FW. Prospective medical and surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in esophageal atresia. J Am Coll Surg 1998; 187:153-7. [PMID: 9704961 DOI: 10.1016/s1072-7515(98)00116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux is a major cause of anastomotic complications after repair of esophageal atresia. For this reason, we evaluated a prospective, postoperative treatment protocol with the emphasis on comparing medical and operative treatment. STUDY DESIGN From 1994 to 1995, 26 consecutive patients underwent correction of esophageal atresia in the Sophia Children's Hospital. These patients were enrolled in a decision-making protocol meant to establish the effect of medical treatment on gastroesophageal reflux and stricture formation, the relation between anastomotic tension and reflux, and the question of whether performing a Nissen fundoplication was justified. Patients who showed reflux on the first postoperative x-ray were given medical treatment. Reflux was assessed after 6-12 weeks by x-ray and 48-hour pH-metry (24 hours with and 24 hours without medication). Evaluations were repeated at 18 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Twenty-three patients were followed for > or = 1 year. RESULTS Twenty-four patients had classic esophageal atresia combined with tracheoesophageal fistula. Two had isolated atresia and underwent a colonic interposition. One of the others died of severe cerebral hemorrhage early after the operation. Twenty-two of the remaining 23 showed reflux on the first postoperative x-ray and were given medical treatment. The mean 3.8% total mild reflux time (range, 0.0-11.0%) decreased to a mean of 1.47% (range, 0.0-6.8%). Medical treatment given according to protocol did not influence severe reflux. Eleven of 23 patients showed stricture formation, requiring a mean of four dilatation procedures (range, 1-9). Defining a real stricture as one needing three or more dilatations, as seen in seven patients, the following results were seen: four nonrefluxing patients (proved by x-ray and pH-metry) needed a mean of 4.2 dilatations (range, 3-7), and three refluxing patients (proved by x-ray and pH-metry) needed a mean of 7.3 dilatations (range, 5-9). Three of seven patients with anastomotic tension had proved gastroesophageal reflux; reflux was also diagnosed in 8 of 15 patients without any tension on the anastomosis. Nine of 23 patients underwent a Nissen fundoplication according to the protocol. In four of them, this was decided because of severe reflux-associated respiratory problems; in one, for resistant stenosis after a Livaditis procedure; and in one with normal pH-metry, the procedure was done on clinical grounds. The latter patient needed an aortopexy at a later stage. A late fundoplication was performed in two patients for persistent gastroesophageal reflux unresponsive to medical treatment, and in one for persistent stenosis and reflux. In all patients, the outcomes were successful, without complications. CONCLUSIONS Medical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux after repair of esophageal atresia has a distinct effect on the duration of reflux and could have a positive effect on the occurrence and treatment of stenosis. There is no clear relation between the occurrence of reflux and tension on the anastomosis. Nissen fundoplication according to the protocol was done appropriately in eight of nine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Bergmeijer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sophia Children's Hospital/University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Holland AJ, Ford WD, Guerin RL. Median sternotomy and use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in the management of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. J Pediatr Surg 1998; 33:657-9. [PMID: 9574775 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3468(98)90340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula may complicate primary repair of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula. Standard treatment involves repair via a right lateral thoracotomy and use of adjacent soft tissues to separate the suture lines of the fistulous openings. The authors describe an alternative approach via a median sternotomy, which improves access, reduces the operating time required to identify the recurrent fistula, and enables the use of a pedicled sternocleidomastoid muscle flap to decrease the risk of refistulization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Holland
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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12
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Al-Salem AH, Qaisruddin S, Varma KK, Abusrair H, Al-Dabbous I, Al-Hayek R. Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Ann Saudi Med 1997; 17:481-4. [PMID: 17353610 DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.1997.481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A H Al-Salem
- Division of Pediatric Surger, and Department of Pediatrics, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Al-Salem AH, Qaisaruddin S, Srair HA, Dabbous IA, Al-Hayek R. Elective, postoperative ventilation in the management of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Pediatr Surg Int 1997; 12:261-3. [PMID: 9099641 DOI: 10.1007/bf01372145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The management of esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has undergone many changes. As a result of recent advances in neonatal intensive care and pediatric anesthesia, the survival of infants with EA and TEF has improved markedly, but the occurrence of anastomotic complications has remained constant. To overcome this problem, various techniques and suture materials have been used. This review of 20 consecutive cases of EA/TEF stresses the importance and influence of non-reversal of anesthesia, paralysis, and elective ventilation for protection of the esophageal anastomosis following repair of EA and TEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Al-Salem
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract
Acquired, nonmalignant tracheoesophageal (TE) fistulae are most often iatrogenic or trauma induced. When a cervical TE fistula is complicated by tracheal stenosis or malacia, a single-stage repair of the fistula and tracheal defect is usually advocated. Complications of this single-stage repair, which occur in 25% to 50% of patients, are secondary to either excess tension at the tracheal anastomosis or the presence of inflammation at the time of tracheal anastomosis. Complications include recurrent tracheal stenosis, pneumonia, or a recurrent TE fistula. This report describes the senior author's techniques of reconstructing the trachea when tracheal stenosis complicates a TE fistula. These techniques are illustrated in two case reports of patients with postintubation TE fistulae. Current methods of tracheal reconstruction in this setting are reviewed. The incidence of postoperative complications may decrease if tracheal reconstruction is delayed until the fistula is successfully closed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Shaari
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York, USA
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Abstract
Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula is a major complication of surgical therapy among children with congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. In a consecutive series of 153 patients operated on during a 20-year period in the same institution, only one patient had this complication. The authors believe that adherence to sound surgical principles can lower the risk of fistula recurrence considerably.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vos
- Pediatric Surgical Centre Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Structural anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract and anterior abdominal wall diagnosed in the perinatal period often require prompt surgical intervention. This article highlights the pathophysiology, evaluation, and management of the more common lesions encountered in the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Dillon
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University Children's Hospital, Hershey
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