Risk Factors of Early Mortality and Morbidity in Esophageal Atresia with Distal Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors for early mortality and morbidity in a population with distal esophageal atresia (EA)-tracheoesophageal fistula. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study from a national register. Main outcomes and measures included early mortality, hospital length of stay (LoS), need for nutritional support at 1 year of age as a proxy measure of morbidity, and complications during the first year of life. RESULTS: In total, 1008 patients with a lower esophageal fistula were included from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2014. The survival rate at 3 months was 94.9%. The cumulative hospital LoS was 31.0 (17.0-64.0) days. Multivariate analysis showed that intrahospital mortality at 3 months was associated with low birth weight (OR 0.52, 95% CI [0.38-0.72], P < .001), associated cardiac abnormalities (OR 6.09 [1.96-18.89], P = .002), and prenatal diagnosis (OR 2.96 [1.08-8.08], P = .034). LoS was associated with low birth weight (-0.225 ± 0.035, P < .001), associated malformations (0.082 ± 0.118, P < .001), surgical difficulties (0.270 ± 0.107, P < .001), and complications (0.535 ± 0.099, P < .001) during the first year of life. Predictive factors for dependency on nutrition support at 1 year of age were complications before 1 year (OR 3.28 [1.23-8.76], P < .02) and initial hospital LoS (OR 1.96 [1.15-3.33], P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: EA has a low rate of early mortality, but morbidity is high during the first year of life. Identifying factors associated with morbidity may help to improve neonatal care of this population.

Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula associated with tetralogy of Fallot: a review of mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Oesophageal atresia ± tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) carries a worse prognosis than EA/TEF alone. Though the Spitz classification takes major CHD into account, there are no data regarding survival with the specific combination of EA/TEF and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). With advances in postnatal care, we hypothesised that, survival is improving in these complex patients. This study reports morbidity and mortality outcomes of newborns with oesophageal atresia and TOF cardiac malformations METHODS: All patients with EA/TEF and TOF treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital between the years 2000-2020, were identified. Data sets regarding gestation, birth weight, associated anomalies, operative intervention, morbidity, and mortality were analysed. RESULTS: Of a total of 350, EA/TEF patients 9 (2.6%) cases had EA/TEF associated with TOF (M:F 4:5). The median gestational age was 35/40 (range 28-41 weeks) with a median birth weight of 1790 g (range 1060-3350 g). Overall survival was 56% (5/9 cases) and all survivors remain under follow up (range 37-4458 days). Surgical strategies for managing EA/TEF with Fallot's tetralogy included 6/9 primary repairs and 3/9 cases with TEF ligation only (+ gastrostomy ± oesophagostomy). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports outcome data from one of the largest series of EA TEF patients with Fallot's tetralogy. Whilst outcomes may be challenging for this unique patient cohort, survival metrics provide important prognostic information that can be widely shared with health care teams and parents.

Nationwide analysis of mortality and hospital readmissions in esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify determinants of mortality and hospital readmission in infants born with esophageal atresia ± tracheoesophageal fistula. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010-2014) was queried for newborns with a diagnosis of esophageal atresia. Outcomes included mortality and readmissions at 30-day and 1-year. RESULTS: 3157 patients were identified, of which 54% were male. 81% had an additional congenital anomaly, and 35% had VACTERL association. Overall mortality at index hospitalization was 11% (n = 360) and was significantly higher with additional congenital anomalies (13%), VACTERL (19%), and Spitz classification II/III (18%) vs. isolated esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (4%), all p < 0.001. After esophageal atresia repair (n = 2179), 10% (n = 212) were readmitted within 30 days and 26% (n = 563) within 1 year, with 17% admitted to different hospitals. Common diagnoses during readmission were GERD (54%), infections (42%), failure to thrive (17%), tracheomalacia (14%), and esophageal stricture (10%). Unplanned readmissions accounted for 85% of readmissions. A large number underwent operative procedures, most commonly esophageal dilation (17%) and fundoplication/gastrostomy (12%). CONCLUSION: Our study has uncovered a high likelihood of complications and unplanned readmission within the first year of life for newborns with esophageal atresia. Coordinated multidisciplinary care may help to decrease unnecessary readmissions and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Fiberoptic bronchoesophagoscopy-assisted evaluation and prognostic factor analysis in children with congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are serious congenital anomalies with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic and therapeutic fiberoptic endoscopy has been used in children to evaluate and manage trachea-esophageal anomalies. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors and the role of fiberoptic bronchoesophagoscopy (FB) in managing children with EA and TEF. METHODS: From 2000 to 2017, hospitalized children with suspected EA and TEF were enrolled in the study. All associated medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Basic characteristics, diagnoses, age of surgical reconstruction, FB findings, associated anomalies, and survival durations were reviewed. Prognostic factors associated with the patients' mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 33 children were enrolled, and 91% of them were type C. The median age at the time of hospitalization was 26 days (range, birth to 9 years), including 20 (61%) low-birth-weight infants and 26 (79 %) referred patients. FB was performed in patients preoperatively (39%) and postoperatively (96.8%). Among them, 28 patients (85%) had associated anomalies, including 17 (52%) cardiac and 23 (70%) airway anomalies. The median age of 31 patients who underwent surgical reconstruction was 3 (range, 0-39) days. Esophageal anastomotic stricture (21/31, 67.7%) was the most common postsurgical complication. Twenty-three patients (74.2%) received postoperative FB-guided interventions, including balloon dilatation, laser therapy, and stent implantation. Among the 9 mortality cases, the median age at death was 270 (range, 4-3246) days. Significant factor associated with mortality was delayed (> 48 h old) or no surgical reconstruction (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Delayed (>48-hour old) or no surgical reconstruction was significantly related to mortality in children with congenital EA and TEF. Preoperative and postoperative FB evaluations helped to facilitate diagnoses and nonsurgical managements and resolve the patients' tracheoesophageal problems.

Outcomes of multi-gestational pregnancies affected by esophageal atresia - tracheoesophageal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) from multi-gestational pregnancies compared to those of singleton pregnancies have not been reported. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of EA/TEF patients born from 1999 to 2013 was performed. Patient demographics, gestational age (GA), birth weight, associated anomalies, requirement for gastrostomy tube and mortality were reviewed. RESULTS: Singleton EA/TEF patients outnumbered those from multi-gestational pregnancies nearly 10:1 (214 vs 22 patients). EA/TEF patients from multi-gestational pregnancies were more likely to be premature (77% vs. 32%), have lower birth weight (mean 1766 g vs. 2695 g), have associated duodenal atresia (18% vs. 6%) and require gastrostomy tube (41% vs. 33%) for feeding challenges compared to EA/TEF singletons. Mortality was also significantly greater for multi-gestational EA/TEF patients compared to singleton EA/TEF patients (18% vs. 6%). CONCLUSION: EA/TEF infants from multi-gestational pregnancies have greater clinical complexity and mortality than singleton EA/TEF patients. Parents of EA/TEF multi-gestational infants should be appropriately counseled and supported.

State of Play: Eight Decades of Surgery for Esophageal Atresia.

AIM: Surgical expertise and advances in technical equipment and perioperative management have led to enormous progress in survival and morbidity of patients with esophageal atresia (EA) in the last decades. We aimed to analyze the available literature on surgical outcome of EA for the past 80 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed literature search was conducted for the years 1944 to 2017 using the keywords "esophageal/oesophageal atresia," "outcome," "experience," "management," and "follow-up/follow up." Reports on long-gap EA only, non-English articles, case reports, and reviews without original patient data were excluded. We focused on mortality and rates of recurrent fistula, leakage, and stricture. RESULTS: Literature search identified 747 articles, 118 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The first open end-to-end anastomosis and fistula ligation was reported in 1941. Thoracoscopic fistula ligation and primary anastomosis was performed first in 2000. Reported mortality rate decreased from 100% before 1941 to 54% in 1950 to 1959, 28% in 1970 to 1979, 16% in 1990 to 1999, and 9% nowadays. Rates of recurrent fistula varied over time between 4 and 9%. Leakage rate remained stable between 11 and 16%. However, stricture rate increased from 25 to 38%. CONCLUSION: Including a full range of articles reflecting the heterogeneity of EA, mortality rate significantly decreased during the course of 80 years. Along with the decrease in mortality, there is a shift to the importance of major postoperative complications and long-term morbidity regardless of surgical technique.

Relationships between hospital and surgeon operative volumes and outcomes of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair.

PURPOSE: Most pediatric surgeons perform <2 esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repairs annually. We aimed to determine whether higher surgeon and hospital volumes are associated with better outcomes after EA/TEF repair. METHODS: Neonates with a diagnosis and repair of EA/TEF at their index hospital admission in the Pediatric Health Information System from 1/2000 to 9/2015 were included. For each patient, hospital and surgeon operative volumes were defined as the number of EA/TEF cases treated in the previous 365 days. Propensity score weighting was used to estimate relationships between operative volumes and rates of in-hospital mortality, readmission within 30 days, and readmission, reoperation, and dilation within one year. RESULTS: Among 3085 patients, lower birth weight, earlier gestational age, the presence of congenital heart disease, and certain other anomalies were associated with higher mortality. In risk-adjusted analyses, there were no significant differences in mortality or any other outcome based on hospital or surgeon volume alone or when comparing low- or high-volume surgeons practicing at low- or high-volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Neither surgeon nor hospital volume significantly impacted outcomes after EA/TEF repair. Our findings imply that selective referral and pediatric surgeon subspecialization in EA/TEF may not translate to improved outcomes. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective comparative study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a complex disorder, and most outcome data are confined to mortality and feeding-related morbidities. Our objective was to examine mortality, growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in a large recent cohort of infants with EA/TEF. METHODS: Single center study of EA/TEF infants referred from January 2000 to December 2015. Data collected included associated defects, neonatal morbidity and mortality and growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 12-36months. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with adverse outcome. RESULTS: Of the 253 infants identified, 102 infants (40%) were preterm. Overall mortality was 8.3%, the majority from major cardiac malformations (p<0.001) Neurodevelopmental assessments (n=182) showed that 76% were within normal, while some delay was seen in 24%, most often in expressive and receptive language. Nine infants had hearing impairment and 5 had visual impairment. Gastrostomy tubes were required in 47 patients and 15% continued to have weight growth velocities less than the 10th centile. A number of specialist interventions were required, Speech/Language being frequent. CONCLUSION: Mortality in EA/TEF is primarily related to concomitant anomalies, especially cardiac. Multidisciplinary follow up is important for early identification and intervention for growth failure and developmental delay. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Complex Tracheocarinal Reconstructions Using Extrathoracic Muscle Flaps as Airway Substitutes.

BACKGROUND: Extrathoracic muscle flaps can be used as airway substitutes for the closure of complex bronchopleural or tracheoesophageal fistulas or in the context of tracheocarinal reconstructions after resection for centrally localized tumors in order to alleviate excess anastomotic tension. METHODS: Evaluation of all patients undergoing tracheocarinal reconstructions with extrathoracic muscle flap patches as airway substitutes in our institution from 1996 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients underwent tracheocarinal reconstructions using extrathoracic muscle flap patches as airway substitutes for the closure of bronchopleural fistulas (n = 17) and complex tracheoesophageal fistulas (n = 7), or in the context of airway reconstructions after carinal resections in combination with pneumonectomy/sleeve lobectomy for centrally localized lung tumors (n = 36) and noncircumferential tracheal resections for tracheal disease processes (n = 14). The size of airway defects replaced by muscle patches ranged from 2 × 2 to 8 × 4 cm and was at most 40% of the airway circumference. The postoperative 90-day mortality was 8.2% and was only observed after right-sided pneumonectomy. Complications at the airway reconstruction site occurred in 8 patients (10%): 4 airway dehiscence (5%) with uneventful healing after reoperation (n = 2) or temporary stenting (n = 2) and 4 airway stenosis (5%) that required repeated bronchoscopy and stenting. Overall, 63 of 67 surviving patients (94%) revealed intact airways without further bronchoscopic interventions or tracheal appliance during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Extrathoracic muscle flaps used as airway substitutes are an interesting and sometimes life-saving option to close difficult tracheocarinal airway defects or to reduce anastomotic tension in the context of complex tracheocarinal surgeries.

Predictors of post-treatment stenosis in cervical esophageal cancer undergoing high-dose radiotherapy.

AIM: To evaluate toxicity and treatment outcome of high-dose radiotherapy (RT) for cervical esophageal cancer (CEC). METHODS: We reviewed a total of 62 consecutive patients who received definitive RT for stage I to III cervical esophageal cancer between 2001 and 2015. Patients who received < 45 Gy, treated for lesions below sternal notch, treated with palliative aim, treated with subsequent surgical resection, or diagnosed with synchronous hypopharyngeal cancer were excluded. Treatment failures were divided into local (occurring within the RT field), outfield-esophageal, and regional [occurring in regional lymph node(s)] failures. Factors predictive of esophageal stenosis requiring endoscopic dilation were analyzed. RESULTS: Grade 1, 2, and 3 esophagitis occurred in 19 (30.6%), 39 (62.9%), and 4 patients (6.5%), respectively, without grade ≥ 4 toxicities. Sixteen patients (25.8%) developed post-RT stenosis, of which 7 cases (43.8%) were malignant. Four patients (6.5%) developed tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), of which 3 (75%) cases were malignant. Factors significantly correlated with post-RT stenosis were stage T3/4 (P = 0.001), complete circumference involvement (P < 0.0001), stenosis at diagnosis (P = 0.024), and endoscopic complete response (P = 0.017) in univariate analysis, while complete circumference involvement was significant in multivariate analysis (P = 0.003). A higher dose (≥ 60 Gy) was not associated with occurrence of post-RT stenosis or TEF. With a median follow-up of 24.3 (range, 3.4-152) mo, the 2 y local control, outfield esophageal control, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) rates were 78.9%, 90.2%, 49.6%, and 57.3%, respectively. Factors significantly correlated with OS were complete circumference involvement (P = 0.023), stenosis at diagnosis (P < 0.0001), and occurrence of post-RT stenosis or TEF (P < 0.001) in univariate analysis, while stenosis at diagnosis (P = 0.004) and occurrence of post-RT stenosis or TEF (P = 0.023) were significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Chemoradiation for CEC was well tolerated, and a higher dose was not associated with stenosis. Patients with complete circumferential involvement require close follow-up.

Characteristics and outcomes of children with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease and esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula: A multi-institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extracardiac birth defects are associated with worse outcomes in congenital heart disease (CHD). The impact of esophageal atresia/trachea-esophageal fistula (EA/TEF) on outcomes after surgery for ductal-dependent CHD is unknown. METHODS: Retrospective matched cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System database from 07/2004 to 06/2015. Hospitalizations with ductal-dependent CHD and EA/TEF, undergoing CHD surgery were included as cases. Admissions with ductal-dependent CHD without EA/TEF were matched 3:1 for age at admission and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 classification. Comparisons were performed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: There were 124 cases and 372 controls. Cases included 32 (25.8%) low-risk, 86 (69.3%) intermediate-risk, and 6 (4.8%) high-risk patients. Cases had more females compared to controls (53.2% vs 41.1%, P = .022). Cases were more likely to be premature (28.2% vs 13.7%, P = .001) and low birth weight (29.8% vs 11.8%, P < .001). Cases had a similar frequency of Down syndrome, and DiGeorge/Velocardiofacial syndrome, but a higher frequency of anorectal malformations (4.3% vs 2.4%, P < .001) and renal anomalies (27.4% vs 9.9%, P < .001) than controls. Cases had a higher mortality on univariate (22.0% vs 8.4%, P < .001) and multivariable analysis (odds ratio 2.45, 95%, confidence interval 1.34 - 4.49). Prematurity also was significantly associated with mortality on multivariable analysis. Cases had a longer duration of mechanical ventilation, longer hospital duration of stay, and higher total cost than controls (all P < .001). CONCLUSION: In children with ductal-dependent CHD, EA/TEF is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and resource utilization. A majority of patients undergo EA/TEF repair prior to congenital heart disease surgery. (Surgery 2017;160:XXX-XXX.).

Postintubation Tracheoesophageal Fistula - Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis.

Introduction: Postintubation tracheoesophageal fistula is a severe complication occurring under certain conditions in patients that require prolonged mechanical ventilation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article focuses on a sample of 11 patients with postintubation tracheoesophageal fistula, operated in our department between 2005 and 2015. The anterior approach with tracheal resection was performed in 10 of these patients, while an atypical surgical technique was preferred in a case involving a large-sized fistula. Three of these patients were subject to surgery while still on the ventilator, in order to help weaning them from mechanical ventilation. Two patients were operated following a relapse of the fistula, after attempts of closing it in other surgical units. Results: Two patients (of those who were still on mechanical ventilation) died from intubation-related complications that persisted after tracheal resection (anastomotic dehiscence with mediastinitis and tracheoarterial fistula in the brachiocephalic arterial trunk). The nine remaining patients improved, with their airways restored and having regained normal deglutition. Conclusions: The surgical approach of this pathology is successful in surgical units that are specialised in tracheal and oesophageal surgery. Adequately timing the surgery is crucial for a good outcome.

Is routine use of transanastomotic tube justified in the repair of esophageal atresia?

BACKGROUND: Transanastomotic feeding tube (TAFT) is commonly used for post-operative enteral nutrition after esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repairs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the therapeutic implications of avoiding a TAFT and its impact on the outcomes post-operatively. METHODS: The medical data of 33 inpatients with EA/TEF type C repair from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups for comparison based on the usage of TAFT during the repair: TAFT- (without) and TAFT+ (with) groups, without randomization. Both groups were compared statistically for post-operative complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Eighteen neonates were males and 15 females, with an average birth weight of 2.43±0.43 kg and a mean gestational age of 36.15 weeks. Nineteen (57.5%) in the TAFT- group and 14 (42.4%) were in the TAFT+ group. The post-operative complications, need for dilatations, duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. The incidence of pneumonitis was significantly higher in the TAFT+ group. CONCLUSIONS: By avoiding a TAFT, there is no increase in complication rates nor does it entail a prolonged period of TPN. Besides, not using a TAFT may have the advantage of reducing incidence of aspiration and consequent pneumonitis.

Postoperative Complications and Functional Outcome after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Results from Longitudinal Single-Center Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) represent major therapeutic challenges, frequently associated with serious morbidities following surgical repair. The aim of this longitudinal study was to assess temporal changes in morbidity and mortality of patients with EA/TEF treated in a tertiary-level center, focusing on postoperative complications and their impact on long-term gastroesophageal function. METHODS: One hundred nine consecutive patients with EA/TEF born between 1975 and 2011 were followed for a median of 9.6 years (range, 3-27 years). Comparative statistics were used to evaluate temporal changes between an early (1975-1989) and late (1990-2011) study period. RESULTS: Gross types of EA were A (n = 6), B (n = 5), C (n = 89), D (n = 7), and E (n = 2). Seventy (64.2%) patients had coexisting anomalies, 13 (11.9%) of whom died before EA correction was completed. In the remaining 96 infants, surgical repair was primary (n = 66) or delayed (n = 25) anastomosis, closure of TEF in EA type E (n = 2), and esophageal replacement with colon interposition (n=2) or gastric transposition (n=1). Long-gap EA was diagnosed in 23 (24.0%) cases. Postoperative mortality was 4/96 (4.2%). Overall survival increased significantly between the two study periods (42/55 vs. 50/54; P = 0.03). Sixty-nine (71.9%) patients presented postoperatively with anastomotic strictures requiring a median of 3 (range, 1-15) dilatations. Revisional surgery was required for anastomotic leakage (n = 5), recurrent TEF with (n = 1) or without (n=9) anastomotic stricture, undetected proximal TEF (n = 4), and refractory anastomotic strictures with (n = 1) or without (n = 2) fistula. Normal dietary intake was achieved in 89 (96.7%) patients, while 3 (3.3%) remained dependent on gastrostomy feedings. Manometry showed esophageal dysmotility in 78 (84.8%) infants at 1 year of age, increasing to 100% at 10-year follow-up. Fifty-six (60.9%) patients suffered from dysphagia with need for endoscopic foreign body removal in 12 (13.0%) cases. Anti-reflux medication was required in 43 (46.7%) children and 30 (32.6%) underwent fundoplication. The rate of gastroesophageal reflux increased significantly between the two study periods (29/42 vs. 44/50; P = 0.04). Twenty-two (23.9%) cases of endoscopic esophagitis and one Barrett's esophagus were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications after EA/TEF repair are common and should be expertly managed to reduce the risk of long-term morbidity. Regular multidisciplinary surveillance with transitional care into adulthood is recommended in all patients with EA/TEF.

Potential risk factors and outcomes of fistulas between the upper intestinal tract and the airway following Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy.

Fistulas between the upper intestinal tract and the airway following esophagectomy are a rare and severe complication with significant mortality. Treatment and therapy are difficult and require a multidisciplinary approach. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for these fistulas following esophagetcomy, and to assess their impact on the further clinical course and outcome. 211 patients undergoing Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2005 and 2012 were included. The preoperative risk factors including the risk score according to Schröder et al. and the O-Physiological and Operative Severity Score (POSSUM) score, operative and postoperative parameters and the outcome were evaluated. 65% of all patients developed postoperative complications, including 12 patients that developed fistulas between the upper intestinal tract and the airway (airway fistulas [AF]; 5.6%). Neither patient related risk factors nor esophagus-specific risk scores correlated with occurrence of AF. Furthermore, surgical treatment and neoadjuvant treatment did not show any effect on development of AF in our patients. However, we could demonstrate that AF significantly impacted on length of hospital stay (AF 52 days vs. No-AF group 16 days, P < 0.001), incidence of major pulmonary complications (83.3% vs. 17.1%, P < 0.001), 90-day mortality (42% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.002) and overall survival (133 days vs. 636 days, P=0.029). With the current study, we could not identify any patient related risk factors, esophagus-specific risk scores or treatment related details that might be useful as predictors of AF after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. However, we confirmed that AF significantly impacted on outcomes. This highlights the urgent need for further studies on this rare but devastating complication after esophagectomy.

Surgical Management of Benign Acquired Tracheoesophageal Fistulas: A Ten-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Benign tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are rare, and surgical correction is the ideal method of treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of operative treatment of benign TEFs in patients from a tertiary referral center. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with benign TEFs who were treated between January 2005 and December 2014. Preoperative evaluation included computed tomography of the chest, bronchoscopy, and upper endoscopy. Preoperative treatment included nutritional support by gastrostomy and treatment of lung infections. Surgical repair was done with tracheal resection and reconstruction, laryngotracheal resection, or membranous tracheal repair without resection. Esophageal management consisted of two-layer closure. RESULTS: Twenty patients (11 men) with mean age 48 ± 17 years were included. The most frequent cause was postintubation injury (n = 16; 80%). The median TEF length was 9 mm (interquartile range [IQR], 2 to 25 mm). The most commonly used surgical approaches were cervicotomy (n = 15; 75%) and cervicosternotomy (n = 3; 15%). Eleven patients required tracheal resection; median length was 3 cm (IQR, 3 to 5.5 cm). Seven patients (35%) required intraoperative tracheostomy. Complications occurred in 55% of patients. There was one dehiscence of the tracheal anastomosis, and one procedure-related death. Ninety-five percent of patients had complete closure of the TEF occurred in 95% of cases. Two patients had tracheal stenosis recurrence, and one patient had both TEF and tracheal stenosis recurrence. Two patients have indwelling silicone tracheal stents. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of TEF is effective. Nonetheless, morbidity and mortality are not negligible, even when performed at a referral center and after appropriate preoperative evaluation.

Weekday vs. weekend repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

PURPOSE: We hypothesize that weekend esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) repair has worse outcomes compared to procedures performed on weekdays. METHODS: Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2009) was searched for EA/TEF in infants admitted at <8days of life. Cases were limited to patients who underwent repair during their hospitalization. Risk-adjusted multivariate analysis (MVA) compared complications, mortality, and resource utilization (length of stay [LOS] total charges [TC]) between weekday and weekend procedures. RESULTS: Overall, 861 EA/TEF cases with known day of repair were identified. Cohort survival was 96%. On risk-adjusted MVA, complication rates were higher with EA/TEF repair on a weekend (OR: 2.2) compared to a weekday. Additionally, complications (OR: 6.5) and LOS (OR: 9.3) were found to be higher among African American children compared to Caucasians. LOS was higher in patients with Medicaid (OR: 2.4) and repairs performed at non-teaching hospitals (OR: 3.2). Weekend vs. weekday procedure had no significant effect on mortality or resource utilization. CONCLUSION: By risk-adjusted MVA, increased complication rates for EA/TEF are seen in patients undergoing repair on weekends compared to weekdays. Additionally, African American children experienced higher complication rates compared to Caucasians. LOS after repair varies according to race, payer status, and hospital characteristics.

Statistical modelling of survival for babies with oesophageal atresia.

AIM OF STUDY: We examined variables associated with survival for oesophageal atresia between 1996 and 2014. METHODS: Possible explanatory variables: birth weight, gestation, cardiac anomalies (any or major), renal anomalies (any or severe), primary anastomosis, leak, secondary oesophageal surgery, tracheomalacia, aortopexy, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, fundoplication, karyotype, neurological status. Variables were assessed with logistic regression and a new model assessed with Kaplan-Meier graphs. RESULTS: 104/120 (87%) babies survived. Median gestation 37weeks, 4 (3%) born before 28weeks. Mean birth weight 2.3 (SD 0.7) kg, 17 (14%) less than 1500g. Frequency (%) of explanatory variables: Major cardiac anomaly 21 (18%), any cardiac anomaly 48 (40%), severe renal anomaly 10 (8%), any renal anomaly 25 (21%), primary anastomosis 105 (88%), anastomotic leak 16 (13%), symptomatic tracheomalacia 28 (23%), aortopexy 17 (14%), tracheostomy 12 (10%), neurological anomaly 7 (6%), fundoplication 15 (13%), gastrostomy 30 (25%), secondary oesophageal surgery 8 (7%), abnormal karyotype 6 (5%). Multivariate analysis showed only renal (OR 0.04, 0.007 0.2) p=0.001, cardiac (OR 0.1, 0.002 0.6) p=0.01 and a primary anastomosis (OR 12.2, 1.8 81.6) p=0.01 (R2=0.48), or major cardiac (OR 0.04, 0.007 0.29) p=0.001 and severe renal anomalies (OR 0.009, 0.001 0.12) p<0.001 alone were significant (R2=0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Survival is dependent on cardiac and renal anomalies. Birth weight is not significant. We propose a new classification system: 1: neither severe renal nor major cardiac anomaly, 2: either severe renal or major cardiac anomaly, 3: severe renal and major cardiac anomaly.

Airway Covered Metallic Stent Based on Different Fistula Location and Size in Malignant Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Malignant tracheoesophageal fistula (MTEF) is a devastating complication of esophageal cancer, lung cancer or other carcinoma with a shorter life-span and poor life quality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of airway stent insertion on MTEF patients. METHODS: A total of 63 MTEF patients were included, 12 patients with lung cancer and 46 patients with esophageal cancers. Eight zones were proposed to classify various fistula locations. Airway stents were selected based on the various zones and fistula size. RESULTS: Airway stents were successfully inserted in all patients, and both airway and esophageal stents in 8 patients. Most fistula were located in locations II (18/63, 28.6%), III (22/63, 34.9%), then VII (9/63, 14.3%). The stents included 10 (15.9%) I shaped, 8 (12.7%) L shaped and 45 (71.4%) Y shaped. Different stents were placed based on different locations and sizes of fistulas. Overall, mean survival time was 163 days (2-270 days). Most symptoms relieved after stent insertion. Mean Karnofsky score jumped from 43.0 ± 10.7 before stent placement to 66.7 ± 10.8 after stent insertion (P = 0.000). Complete closure was achieved in 45 patients (71.4%), and incomplete closure and leakage were found in 18 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Airway stent insertion provides an effective approach to improve symptoms and quality of life. The choice of stent based on different fistula location and size may be a reasonable way in clinical practice.

TRAQUEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA PATIENTS FED THROUGH PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY/GASTROJEJUNOSTOMY: NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND CLINICAL OUTCOME.

BACKGROUND: tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) may result from cancer or mechanical ventilation. Endoscopic Gastrostomy or Gastrojejunostomy (PEG/PEG-J) is used for nutritional support. OBJECTIVE: in TEF-patients, evaluating nutritional status when PEG is performed, safety of PEG/PEG-J and clinical outcome. METHODS: from the files of PEG/PEG-J feed TEF-patients we collected: clinical data, Body Mass Index, albumin, transferrin and cholesterol when gastrostomy was performed, and clinical outcome globally and according with the TEF cause: Group 1: complication of mechanical ventilation, Group 2: cancer. RESULTS: twelve patients, 18-91 years (median: 53), 11 PEG, one PEG-J: six complications of ventilation (neurological diseases), 6 cancers. Mean period from TEF diagnosis until gastrostomy: 2 months in Group 1, 10 months in Group 2. In the day of the gastrostomy, patients presented with malnutrition parameters, most strikingly in the cancer group. Group 1: died a single patient, 3 closed the TEF, resuming oral intake, 2 are still PEG-feed. All cancer patients died (7 months after gastrostomy). One needed a jejunal extension to create a PEG-J. No more complications. CONCLUSION: PEG/PEG-J was safe in TEF-patients, but cancer patients underwent gastrostomy too late. In TEF-patients, PEG/PEG-J should be considered in a regular basis, earlier in the disease evolution, before established malnutrition.

Introducción: las fístulas traqueoesofágicas (FTE) pueden surgir en un cáncer de esófago/pulmón o pueden ser secundarias a intubación endotraqueal prolongada. La Gastrostomía Percutánea Endoscópica o la Gastroyeyunostomía (PEG/PEG-J) son útiles para el soporte nutricional. Intentamos evaluar: estado nutricional cuando los pacientes son referenciados/sometidos a gastrostomía, evolución clínica y seguridad de la PEG/ PEG-J en la FTE. Materiales y métodos: pacientes con FTE alimentados por PEG/PEG-J: características clínicas, índice de masa corporal, albúmina, transferrina, colesterol, evaluados en el día de la gastrostomía, y según la causa de la FTE: Grupo 1: complicación de la ventilación mecánica; Grupo 2: cáncer esofágico o respiratorio. Resultados: doce pacientes, mediana de edad 53 años (18-91), 11 PEG, 1 PEG-J: 6 complicaciones de la ventilación mecánica; 6 cánceres. Periodo de referencia entre el diagnóstico de TEF y la gastrostomía: 2 meses en el Grupo 1, 10 meses en el Grupo 2. En el momento de la gastrostomía la mayoría estaban desnutridos, en particular el Grupo 2. En el Grupo 1 solo falleció un paciente, 3 regresaron a la alimentación oral después de cerrar la FTE, 2 mantienen la gastrostomía. Todos los pacientes oncológicos murieron (mediana: 7 meses después la PEG). Uno requirió una extensión yeyunal para PEG-J. Sin otras complicaciones. Conclusión: en nuestra experiencia, la PEG/PEG - J fue un método seguro en pacientes con FTE de causa oncológica u otra, pero los pacientes con cáncer son sometidos a gastrostomía muy tarde. En los pacientes con FTE la PEG/PEG -J se debe considerar antes de que se produzca la malnutrición.