Management of neonates with right-sided aortic arch and esophageal atresia: International survey on IPEG AND ESPES members´ experience

Novel Left-Sided Thoracoscopic Approach to Recurrent Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Post-Fistula Tracheal Diverticula

BACKGROUND

Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is usually a consequence of leakage or other complications after esophageal atresia repair performed through right-sided access. This results in extensive intrapleural adhesions, and open redo surgery poses a challenge. Alternatively, endoscopic endotracheal fistula obliteration usually requires repetitive procedures, and its success rate varies significantly between centers. We present a novel approach to recurrent fistulas. The innovation is in reaching the fistula through the virgin field via left-sided three-port thoracoscopy instead of classical right-sided thoracotomy.

METHODS

This is a presentation of a new operative technique based on a retrospective case series of patients operated on at our department between 2016 and 2023.

RESULTS

Eight patients after esophageal atresia repair (six with RTEF and two with post-fistula tracheal diverticula) were successfully treated with left-sided thoracoscopy. There were no conversions. One patient required rethoracoscopy for chylothorax. Another one, after RTEF closure, underwent multiple endoscopic obliterations of subsequent tracheal diverticulum. No other major complications nor re-recurrences were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Left-sided thoracoscopy in redo esophageal atresia has the advantage of a "virgin" operative field and grants feasible access to the RTEF or tracheal diverticulum. We believe that this approach is worth further exploration because it combines minimal invasiveness with high effectiveness without all the consequences of a thoracotomy.

Omphalocele and Cardiac Abnormalities-The Importance of the Association

Omphalocele is the most common ventral abdominal wall defect. Omphalocele is associated with other significant anomalies in up to 80% of cases, among which the cardiac ones are the most frequent. The aim of our paper is to highlight, through a review of the literature, the importance and frequency of association between the two malformations and what impact this association has on the management and evolution of patients with these pathologies. We reviewed the titles, the available abstracts, and the full texts of 244 papers from the last 23 years, from three medical databases, to extract data for our review. Due to the frequent association of the two malformations and the unfavorable effect of the major cardiac anomaly on the prognosis of the newborn, the electrocardiogram and echocardiography must be included in the first postnatal investigations. The timing of surgery for abdominal wall defect closure is mostly dictated by the cardiac defect severity, and usually the cardiac defect takes priority. After the cardiac defect is medically stabilized or surgically repaired, the omphalocele reduction and closure of the abdominal defect are performed in a more controlled setting, with improved outcomes. Compared to omphalocele patients without cardiac defects, children with this association are more likely to experience prolonged hospitalizations, neurologic, and cognitive impairments. Major cardiac abnormalities such as structural defects that require surgical treatment or result in developmental delay will significantly increase the death rate of patients with omphalocele. In conclusion, the prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and early detection of other associated structural or chromosomal anomalies are of overwhelming importance, contributing to the establishment of antenatal and postnatal prognosis.

The dilemma after an unforeseen aortic arch anomalies at thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia: Is curtailing surgery still a necessity?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are several forms of relevant epi-aortic branching anomalies, and perhaps that is why different views as to the best approach have been reported. To help resolve this dilemma, we examined the unforeseen arch anomalies found at thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia and the outcomes.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort, all consecutive patients who were thoracoscopically approached for esophageal atresia over a 5-year period with unforeseen aortic/epi-aortic branching were identified and grouped. Thoracoscopic views, operative interventions, and outcomes were studied.

RESULTS

A total of 121 neonates were thoracoscopically approached for EA, of whom 18 cases with aberrant aortic architecture were selected. Four (3%) cases were diagnosed on a preoperative echocardiography as a right-sided aortic arch, whereas unforeseen anomalous anatomies were reported in 14 cases (11.6%): left aortic arch with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) (n = 10), right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) (n = 3), and mirror-image right arch (n = 1). Single postoperative mortality was reported among the group with left arch and ARSA (10%), whereas all the cases with right arch and ALSA died.

CONCLUSIONS

In all, 11.6% of the studied series exhibited unexpected aberrant aortic architecture, with higher complication rates in comparison to the typical thoracoscopic repairs. For EA with left aortic arch and ARSA, the primary esophageal surgery could safely be completed. Meanwhile, curtailing surgery-after ligating the TEF-to get advanced imaging is still advised for both groups with the right arch due to the significant existence of vascular rings.

The left-sided repair: An alternative approach for difficult esophageal atresia repair

PURPOSE

We describe a left-sided approach for long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) repair in patients who have a large leftward upper pouch and no significant tracheomalacia, or as a salvage strategy after prior failed right-sided repairs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients who underwent repair via traction induced growth (Foker procedure [FP]) from 2014 to 2019 was performed. Surgical technique and post-operative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 47 LGEA patients, 18 (38%) were approached via the left side - 94% had a left aortic arch, and 22% had prior attempts at a right-sided anastomosis. More left-sided patients underwent minimally invasive repair (39% vs 7%, p = 0.007) and internal traction (50% vs 10%, p = 0.002) compared to right-sided patients. On multivariate analysis, internal traction was associated with a decreased length of paralysis (p<0.01); length of intubation and hospital stay were similar between groups. Anastomotic leak (17% vs 20%, p = 0.80) and stricture resection (6% vs 24%, p = 0.12) rates were similar. No left-sided FP patient required additional surgery for tracheomalacia, while six right-sided patients required intervention.

CONCLUSION

Left-sided FP can be considered for LGEA patients with a large leftward upper pouch or as a salvage pathway after a failed right chest approach, with similar outcomes to the right-sided approach.

Selective approach to preoperative echocardiography in esophageal atresia

PURPOSE

Preoperative echocardiography is used routinely in neonates with esophageal atresia to identify patients in whom congenital cardiac disease will impact upon anesthetic and surgical decision-making. We aimed to determine the suitability of selective preoperative echocardiography.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective review of neonates with esophageal atresia over 6 years (2010-2015) at our tertiary pediatric institution. Data included preoperative clinical examination, chest x-ray, and echocardiography. Endpoints were cardiovascular, respiratory, radiological, and echocardiography findings. Selective strategies were assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.

RESULTS

We identified 115 neonates with esophageal atresia. All underwent preoperative echocardiography. Cardiac defects were identified in 49/115 (43%) (major 9/115, moderate 4/115). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of abnormal clinical and radiologic assessment for major and moderate cardiac defects were 92%, 25%, 13%, 96%; for clinical examination alone were 92%, 25%, 14%, 96%; for absence of murmur, cyanosis, and abnormal respiratory examination were 92%, 28%, 13%, 97%. Selective strategies reduce echocardiograms performed by 22%.

CONCLUSION

Selective strategies allow for identification of neonates with esophageal atresia who may have deferral of echocardiogram unill after surgery. Selection may improve timeliness of care and resource utilization, without compromising patient safety.

Esophageal atresia with right aortic arch: An experience of thoracoscopic repair through left thorax

Right aortic arch (RAA) is one of congenital cardiovascular anomalies associated with esophageal atresia (EA). The surgical treatment for EA with RAA is still challenging. Although most pediatric surgeons are familiar with the right-sided approach, the division of the tracheoesophageal fistula and the anastomosis of the esophagus through right thorax are often difficult in cases of RAA. There are a few reports on thoracoscopic repair for EA with RAA. We report a case of EA with RAA treated by left-sided thoracoscopic approach. With left-sided thoracoscopic approach, identification and anastomosis of the esophagus could be safely performed without obstruction by the right-sided descending aorta. There was no leakage or stricture. Thoracoscopic repair of EA with RAA through the left thorax is feasible and safe without obstruction by the right-sided descending aorta.