Foreign body aspiration in children: our pediatric tertiary care experience.

PURPOSE: Inhalation of a foreign body is a real emergency in pediatric age and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze clinical and radiological details, types, and localization of foreign bodies in patients conducted or to our hospital with suspected inhalation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of foreign body inhalation admitted to our Pediatric Emergency Room between January 2009 and June 2022. RESULTS: 171 patients were included in the study. In 83 patients, the FB was detected. The mean age of presentation was 2.3 years (SD: ± 2). Cough (73%) and unilateral reduced breath sound (51%) were the most common clinical symptom and clinical sign. The most frequent localization was the right main bronchus (43%). The foreign bodies retrieved were vegetable (83%), of which peanut was the most common. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days (± 2.9). Complications such as pneumothorax were seen in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign body inhalation represents a true pediatric emergency and still a challenge in clinical practice. The best way to manage it is an early diagnosis and removal by fully trained staff.

Pediatric airway compression in aortic arch malformations: a multidisciplinary approach.

Background: Aortic arch malformations (AAMs) should be suspected in the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms despite medical treatment or feeding problems at the pediatric age. Aim: We report a descriptive cohort of patients with AAMs and the local management protocol applied. Methods: A total of 59 patients with AAM were retrospectively reviewed. Three groups were identified: double aortic arch (DAA), group 1; complete vascular ring (non-DAA), group 2; and anomalous origin of the innominate artery (IA), group 3. Results: Prenatal diagnosis was available for 62.7% of the patients. In all, 49.2% of children were symptomatic. There was a significantly different prevalence of respiratory symptoms within the three groups: 73.7% in group 1, 24.2% in group 2, and 100% in group 3 (p-value: <0.001). Surgery was considered in the presence of symptoms in patients with DAA and in those with reduction of the tracheal section area greater than 50%. A total of 52.5% of the patients underwent surgical repair (median age 6 months). The median follow-up interval was 21.9 months. Respiratory symptoms improved in most symptomatic patients. Conclusions: No specific protocols are available for the management of patients with AAMs. Conservative treatment seems to be reasonable for asymptomatic patients or those with airway stenosis less than 50%. A close follow-up is necessary to identify early patients who become symptomatic.

Vocal Cord Paralysis and Feeding Difficulties as Early Diagnostic Clues of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome with Neonatal Onset: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Herein, we present a newborn female with congenital vocal cord paralysis who required a tracheostomy in the neonatal period. She also presented with feeding difficulties. She was later diagnosed with a clinical picture of congenital myasthenia, associated with three variants of the MUSK gene: the 27-month follow-up was described. In particular, the c.565C>T variant is novel and has never been described in the literature; it causes the insertion of a premature stop codon (p.Arg189Ter) likely leading to a consequent formation of a truncated nonfunctioning protein. We also systematically collected and summarized information on patients' characteristics of previous cases of congenital myasthenia with neonatal onset reported in the literature to date, and we compared them to our case. The literature reported 155 neonatal cases before our case, from 1980 to March 2022. Of 156 neonates with CMS, nine (5.8%) had vocal cord paralysis, whereas 111 (71.2%) had feeding difficulties. Ocular features were evident in 99 infants (63.5%), whereas facial-bulbar symptoms were found in 115 infants (73.7%). In one hundred sixteen infants (74.4%), limbs were involved. Respiratory problems were displayed by 97 infants (62.2%). The combination of congenital stridor, particularly in the presence of an apparently idiopathic bilateral vocal cord paralysis, and poor coordination between sucking and swallowing may indicate an underlying congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS). Therefore, we suggest testing infants with vocal cord paralysis and feeding difficulties for MUSK and related genes to avoid a late diagnosis of CMS and improve outcomes.

Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Cord Immobility: New Treatment With Preservation of Voice.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric bilateral vocal cord immobility (BVCI) represents a severe life-threatening condition that often causes severe dyspnea. Endoscopic arytenoid lateral abduction (EALA) is a relatively new, secure, minimal-invasive surgical technique. The present prospective observational study aims to evaluate the effects of EALA in terms of respiratory function, voice quality, and swallowing capabilities. METHODS: Twenty-one pediatric patients with BVCI underwent EALA. Eleven out of 21 patients had tracheostomy at the time of surgery. Pre and postoperative functional assessments included endoscopic evaluation, maximum phonation time, pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI), GIRBAS Scale criteria, and Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding scale (MCH-Feeding scale). peak tidal inspiratory flow or peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and number of desaturations/hour (ODI/h) were evaluated in patients without tracheostomy. RESULTS: Postoperative endoscopy showed glottic airway improvement in all patients. Average time for decannulation was 4.6 weeks. One patient has not yet been decannulated. No major complications occurred. In patients without tracheostomy, we observed a significant improvement of ODI/h and PIF after surgery (p < 0.05) as expected. PVHI, MCH-Feeding scale, and GIRBAS score significantly worsened 1 month after surgical intervention (p < 0.05). One year after surgery, however, all values, except for B and A parameters of the GIRBAS score, returned to levels comparable to those preoperative. CONCLUSIONS: EALA represents a simple, safe and effective solution in pediatric patients with BVCI, avoiding tracheostomy, allowing early decannulation, preserving swallowing function, and maintaining good quality voice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2325-2332, 2023.

3D bioprinting in airway reconstructive surgery: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Open surgery is a reliable choice for congenital subglottic stenosis, that represents the third most common congenital anomaly of the larynx. One of the procedures performed is anterior laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) with anterior rib graft. The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the potential of 3D printing technology for the realization of laryngo-tracheal scaffold in Polycaprolactone (PCL) implanted in vivo in ovine animal model. METHODS: A 3D computer model of a laryngeal graft and a tracheal graft was designed and printed with PCL through 3D additive manufacturing technology. The scaffolds were seeded with autologous mesenchymal stem cells and cultured in vitro for up to 14 days. Anterior graft LTR with 3D printed scaffolds was performed on 5 sheep. The animals underwent endoscopic examinations at the first, 3rd, 6th, and 12th weeks after surgery and before sacrifice. The integration of the material was evaluated by the pathologist. RESULTS: Two animals showed a favourable postoperative course and were sacrificed at 6 months postoperatively. In these cases, we observed endoscopically a complete integration of the cellularized PCL scaffold into the peri-implant tissues, and the pathologist found the growth of respiratory epithelium on the scaffold's inner surface. Other two animals showed a difficult post-operative recovery characterized by respiratory distress resulting in early sacrifice on postoperative days 31 and 33. In these animals we found a poor integration of the grafts into the tracheal structure, and a better integration of the laryngeal scaffold. The last animal developed a wound abscess and was sacrificed 80 days after surgery. We observed, in this case, a poor scaffold integration and an acute inflammatory reaction. CONCLUSIONS: From the preliminary data obtained we found that the excessive stiffness of the material, along with the anatomical features of the sheep, is a major limitation of this study. It will be necessary in the future to create a new biocompatible, more flexible and elastic graft, to achieve greater integration into surrounding tissues. Bioconstructed grafts could simplify surgery for the treatment of laryngo-tracheal stenosis, particularly in the treatment of long tracheal stenoses, which have, at the moment, very complex surgical options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Evaluation and management of congenital tracheal stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To outline an expert-based consensus of recommendations for the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with congenital tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Expert opinions were sought from members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) via completion of an 18-item survey utilizing an iterative Delphi method and review of the literature. RESULTS: Forty-three members completed the survey providing recommendations regarding the initial history, clinical evaluation, diagnostic evaluation, temporizing measures, definitive repair, and post-repair care of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. CONCLUSION: These recommendations are intended to be used to support clinical decision-making regarding the evaluation and management of children with congenital tracheal stenosis. Responses highlight the diverse management strategies and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care of these patients.

Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI): A Tool for Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of Voice Therapy in Children With Benign Vocal Fold Nodules.

OBJECTIVES: benign vocal fold lesions (BVFLs) represent the most common etiology of voice disorders in paediatric population, cause of dysphonia by preventing full vocal fold closure and modifying vibratory characteristics. Of those pathologies, vocal fold nodules represent almost 63% of the cases in children between 0-14 years. Management may include a combination of phonosurgery, voice therapy and pharmacological treatment, but almost 95% of otolaryngologists recommend voice therapy as primary treatment. The Pediatric Voice Handicap Index (pVHI) is nowadays widely used and accepted in the evaluation and monitoring of paediatric patients with dysphonia. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the reliability and validity of PVHI in the evaluation of the effects of voice therapy as treatment of vocal fold nodules in the paediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHOD: in this retrospective chart review twenty-seven (27) dysphonic patients with bilateral vocal fold nodules were treated with behavioral voice therapy approaches, and the PVHI surveys was administered to each patient parent's before and after therapy. The age of the patients ranged from 4 to 14 years (mean age 8.7 y-o); 17 (63%) were male and 10 (37%) females. RESULTS: according to our results, behavioral voice therapy effectively improved pVHI scores from pre- to post-treatment in paediatric patients with bilateral vocal fold nodules.

Changes in Breathing Patterns after Surgery in Severe Laryngomalacia.

BACKGROUND: Most of the studies regarding the surgical treatment of severe laryngomalacia (LM) have been aimed at describing the efficacy of the treatment in terms of improvement of clinical symptoms or anatomical findings. There are no studies specifically aimed at analyzing the changes in breathing patterns following surgical treatment for severe LM. OBJECTIVE: To review the breathing pattern changes before and after corrective surgery in infants with severe LM. STUDY DESIGN: A series of retrospective cases at a tertiary referral children's hospital. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 81 infants who underwent supra-glottoplasty (SGP) for severe laryngomalacia between 2011 and 2020 at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital of Rome, Italy. Among the patients, 47 (58%) were male and 34 (42%) were female. Twenty-one patients (26%) had one or more comorbidities condition. The data collected included age, symptoms, a polysomnography/pulse oximetry study, growth rate, the findings from flexible endoscopy, pre- and post-supra-glottoplasty (SGP) pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and, when indicated, 24 h pH-metry. Breathing patterns were studied during restful, normal sleep, using an ultrasonic flow-meter (Exhalyzer, Viasys) which measured: Tidal Volume (Vt), Respiratory Rate (RR), time to peak expiratory flow/expiratory time ratio (tPTEF/Te, an index of the patency of the lower airways) and mean expiratory/mean inspiratory flow ratio (MEF/MIF, an index of the patency of the upper airways) evaluated before surgical procedure (T1) and 3-6 weeks after (T2). Pre- and post-operative mean data were calculated and comparisons made with a Student T-test. RESULTS: The surgical procedure was well tolerated by all infants and no intraoperative or post-operatory long-term complications were noted. In T1, breathing patterns were characterized by low tidal volume and high tPTEF/Te and MEF/MIF ratios, suggesting a severe reduction in the patency of the upper airways in all patients. After surgery (T2), all the previously mentioned variables significantly improved, reaching normal values for the child's age. CONCLUSIONS: Supra-glottoplasty, as already described in several studies, is a safe and efficient procedure to treat severe laryngomalacia during infancy. The improvement in breathing patterns after surgery was reliably confirmed by a lung function test in our study, which showed the diagnostic value of testing respiratory functionality in the laryngomalacia and comparing them to clinical and endoscopic data. Moreover, considering the results obtained, we also propose the use of this available, dependable test to verify its therapeutic effects (post-surgery) and to monitor future respiratory development in these infants. Moreover, we believe that further studies will provide detailed grading guidelines for gravity of the LM, based on these functional lung tests.

Management of Upper Airway Infantile Hemangiomas: Experience of One Italian Multidisciplinary Center.

Airway infantile hemangiomas (IHs) can represent a life-threatening condition since the first months of life. They may be isolated or associated to cutaneous IHs, and/or part of PHACES syndrome. Diagnosis, staging, and indication to treatment are not standardized yet despite the presence in the literature of previous case series and reviews. The diagnosis might be misleading, especially in the absence of cutaneous lesions. Airway endoscopy is the gold standard both for diagnosis and follow-up since it allows evaluation of precise localization and entity of obstruction and/or stricture. Proliferation of IH in the infant airways manifests frequently with stridor and treatment is required as soon as possible to prevent further complications. The first line of therapy is oral propranolol, but duration of treatment is not yet well-defined. All considered, we report the experience of our multidisciplinary center from 2009 to date, on 36 patients affected by airway IHs, and successfully treated with oral propranolol. Thus, the authors propose their experience for the management of airway IHs, specifically early diagnosis, when to perform endoscopy, how to interpret its findings, and when to stop the treatment.

Assessing the effect of adenoidectomy on nasal resistance and airflow. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical guidelines suggest adenoidectomy when enlarged adenoids are associated with nasal obstruction and other symptoms. Given that nasal obstruction is the leading symptom of adenoid hypertrophy, it should be thoroughly explored. However, there is no consensus regarding what could be the best approach. This systematic review is designed with the objective of exploring the extent to which adenoidectomy can decrease nasal resistance through rhinomanometry. REVIEW METHODS: 3 authors members of the YO-IFOS rhinology study group independently analyzed the data sources (Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, SciELO) for papers assessing the change in nasal resistance and/or nasal airflow in rhinomanometry after adenoidectomy in pediatric patients. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies with a total population of 423 participants (323 patients excluding healthy controls) met the inclusion criteria. All of them found decreased nasal resistance after adenoidectomy. 5 studies could be combined in a metanalysis, which revealed a statistically significant difference of 0.52 Pa in basal conditions, and 0.64 Pa in rhinomanometry under nasal decongestion. 4 authors explored changes in nasal airflow. All of them found a statistically significant increase in nasal airflow after adenoidectomy. However, their results could not be merged in a meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the existence of a systematic decrease in nasal resistance and increase in nasal airflow with and without nasal decongestant after adenoidectomy. The available evidence suggests that rhinomanometry with nasal decongestant could help in intermediate cases of adenoid hypertrophy, in order to identify the presence of nasal obstruction and, when present, the possibility of other causes for it rather than enlarged adenoids, mainly turbinate hypertrophy.

The Role of Lung Function Testing in Newborn Infants With Congenital Thoracic Arterial Anomalies.

Introduction: Congenital thoracic arterial anomalies (CTAAs), such as complete or incomplete vascular rings, pulmonary artery sling, and innominate artery compression syndrome, may cause severe tracheomalacia and upper airway obstruction. An obstructive ventilatory pattern at lung function testing (LFT) has been suggested in the presence of CTAA. The severity of obstruction may be evaluated by LFT. Little is known about the use of LFT in newborn infants with CTAA. The aim of our study is to evaluate the role of LFT in CTAA diagnosis. Methods: This is a retrospective study, conducted between February 2016 and July 2020. All CTAA cases for whom LFT was performed preoperatively were considered for inclusion. Tidal volume (Vt), respiratory rate, and the ratio of time to reach the peak tidal expiratory flow over total expiratory time (tPTEF/tE) were assessed and compared to existing normative data. Demographics and CTAA characteristics were also collected. Results: Thirty cases were included. All infants with CTAA showed a significantly reduced Vt and tPTEF/tE, compared to existing normative data suggesting an obstructive pattern. No significant differences were found for LFT between cases with a tracheal obstruction <50% compared to those with tracheal obstruction ≥50%, or between cases with and without symptoms. Sixteen infants (53.3%) had respiratory symptoms related to CTAA. Of these, only two cases had also dysphagia. Conclusion: LFT values were significantly reduced in cases with CTAA before surgery. LFT represents a potential feasible and non-invasive useful tool to guide diagnosis in the suspect of CTAA.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) management recommendations: Pediatric tracheostomy decannulation.

OBJECTIVES: To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, and allied clinicians for tracheostomy decannulation in pediatric patients. METHODS: An iterative questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group. RESULTS: Twenty-six members completed the survey. Recommendations address patient criteria for decannulation readiness, airway evaluation prior to decannulation, decannulation protocol, and follow-up after both successful and failed decannulation. CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy decannulation recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care, quality and safety in children with tracheostomies.

Surgical Options for Pediatric Bilateral Vocal Cord Palsy: State of the Art.

Management of pediatric bilateral vocal cord palsy (BVCP) is a controversial and challenging topic. It may represent a severe obstructive condition usually associated with respiratory distress, and, in such condition, tracheostomy has been considered the gold standard for a long time. Many surgical options have been described and used to increase the glottic space in BVCP (1), with ongoing research of less invasive techniques. The challenge and current trend in our department and in many major pediatric centers is to avoid tracheotomy through an early treatment. Many techniques introduced in the last decade reduced the number of tracheotomies and increased the decannulation rate. Furthermore, we observed a recent increase in attention to preserve the quality of the voice with new techniques, such as endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy which is in our opinion an important innovation to improve glottic space with satisfactory voice results. We present a review of the literature about the evolution of the treatment options for pediatric BVCP during the years.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG): Consensus recommendations on the prenatal and perinatal management of anticipated airway obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To make recommendations on the identification, routine evaluation, and management of fetuses at risk for airway compromise at delivery. METHODS: Recommendations are based on expert opinion by members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was distributed to all members of the IPOG and responses recorded. The respondents were given the opportunity to comment on the content and format of the survey, which was modified for the second round. "Consensus" was defined by >80% respondent affirmative responses, "agreement" by 51-80% affirmative responses, and "no agreement" by 50% or less affirmative responses. RESULTS: Recommendations are provided regarding etiologies of perinatal airway obstruction, imaging evaluation, adjunct evaluation, multidisciplinary team and decision factors, micrognathia management, congenital high airway obstruction syndrome management, head and neck mass management, attended delivery procedure, and delivery on placental support procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Thorough evaluation and thoughtful decision making are required to optimally balance fetal and maternal risks/benefits.

International registry of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: It has become clear that healthcare workers are at high risk, and otolaryngology has been theorized to be among the highest risk specialties for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to detail the international impact of COVID-19 among otolaryngologists, and to identify instructional cases. METHODS: Country representatives of the Young Otolaryngologists-International Federation of Otolaryngologic Societies (YO-IFOS) surveyed otolaryngologists through various channels. Nationwide surveys were distributed in 19 countries. The gray literature and social media channels were searched to identify reported deaths of otolaryngologists from COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 361 otolaryngologists were identified to have had COVID-19, and data for 325 surgeons was available for analysis. The age range was 25 to 84 years, with one-half under the age of 44 years. There were 24 deaths in the study period, with 83% over age 55 years. Source of infection was likely clinical activity in 175 (54%) cases. Prolonged exposure to a colleague was the source for 37 (11%) surgeons. Six instructional cases were identified where infections occurred during the performance of aerosol-generating operations (tracheostomy, mastoidectomy, epistaxis control, dacryocystorhinostomy, and translabyrinthine resection). In 3 of these cases, multiple operating room attendees were infected, and in 2, the surgeon succumbed to complications of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The etiology of reported cases within the otolaryngology community appear to stem equally from clinical activity and community spread. Multiple procedures performed by otolaryngologists are aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and great care should be taken to protect the surgical team before, during, and after these operations.

Reflux and dental disorders in the pediatric population: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the development of dental disorders in pediatric population. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus Cochrane database were assessed for subject headings using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) recommendations. Relevant studies published between January 1990 and January 2020 describing the association between reflux and dental disorders in children were retrieved. Three authors reviewed the LPR diagnosis method; inclusion criteria and outcomes. The bias analysis was performed through the tools of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine evidence levels. RESULTS: The electronic search identified 126 publications, of which 11 clinical studies and 2 basic science researches met our inclusion criteria. There is an important heterogeneity between studies about diagnostic method and clinical outcome evaluation. All studies based the reflux diagnosis on GERD criteria. No author considered hypopharyngeal nonacid reflux episodes through hypopharyngeal-esophageal intraluminal multichannel impedance pH monitoring (HEMII-pH). The results of studies support a higher prevalence of dental erosion in children with GERD compared with healthy individuals. Controversial findings were found about the potential association between reflux and caries, and the modification of both saliva composition and production in reflux children. CONCLUSION: The association between reflux and dental disorder is still uncertain. Future studies considering pharyngeal acid and nonacid reflux episodes through HEMII-pH are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The pepsin detection in saliva would be an additional way for detecting LPR in children with dental disorders.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG): Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis consensus recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus recommendations for the evaluation and management of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) in pediatric patients. METHODS: Expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. The consensus recommendations herein represent the first publication by the group. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations including diagnostic considerations, surgical management, systemic adjuvant therapies, postoperative management, surveillance, and voice evaluation. These recommendations are based on the collective opinion of the IPOG members and are targeted for otolaryngologists, primary care providers, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and any other health care providers that manage patients with JORRP. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric JORRP consensus recommendations are aimed at improving care and outcomes in this patient population.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations: Diagnosis, pre-operative, operative and post-operative pediatric choanal atresia care.

OBJECTIVE: To provide recommendations to otolaryngologists and allied physicians for the comprehensive management of young infants who present with signs or symptoms of choanal atresia. METHODS: A two-iterative delphi method questionnaire was used to establish expert recommendations by the members of the International Otolaryngology Group (IPOG), on the diagnostic, intra-operative, post-operative and revision surgery considerations. RESULTS: Twenty-eight members completed the survey, in 22 tertiary-care center departments representing 8 countries. The main consensual recommendations were: nasal endoscopy or fiberscopy and CT imaging are recommended for diagnosis; unilateral choanal atresia repair should be delayed after at least age 6 months whenever possible; transnasal endoscopic repair is the preferred technique; long term follow-up is recommended (minimum one year) using nasal nasofiberscopy or rigid endoscopy, without systematic imaging. CONCLUSION: Choanal atresia care consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in neonates, infants and children with choanal atresia.

Vocal cord paralysis appears to be an acquired lesion in children with repaired esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula.

OBJECTIVES: Determine whether vocal cord paresis or paralysis (VCP/P) following surgical repair of congenital esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is generally a primary anomaly, or is secondary to EA/TEF repair. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study based on a recently published protocol, which included the systematic performance of a laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy before and after EA/TEF repair. RESULTS: There were 105 patients with EA/TEF referred for multidisciplinary follow-up, between 2010 and 2015. Sixty-four of the 105 patients included in the study underwent EA/TEF repair at the referral center and had pre-operative bronchoscopy; the others had their initial surgery elsewhere. No included patient had VCP/P detected pre-operatively. Six patients (4 initially managed at the referral center) were diagnosed with VCP/P during the follow-up period (6/105, 5.7%). CONCLUSION: VCP appears to be an acquired lesion in this population.

Dehiscence of Bronchial Anastomosis After Lung Transplantation: A Successful Unconventional Treatment.

Anastomotic airway complications, including the dehiscence of the bronchial anastomosis, are a severe cause of morbidity after lung transplantation. We present a case of dehiscence treated by placing an uncovered metal stent into the main bronchus. We usually use this procedure for bronchial stenosis, but in this case, the stent favored the growth of granulation tissue and so the closure of the dehiscence. This procedure was minimally invasive and may be an alternative to an open repair, without precluding open repair in case of failure.