Tracheoesophageal Fistula With Esophageal Atresia: A Case Series.

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with or without esophageal atresia (EA) results from maldevelopment of the trachea and esophagus during maturation of the primitive foregut. EA/TEF commonly presents shortly after birth because of increased oral secretions and the inability to advance a nasogastric or orogastric tube to the proper depth. Given that prenatal diagnosis is uncommon and early intervention is important to reduce morbidity and mortality risk, early recognition and diagnosis are imperative. We present a case series of two neonates diagnosed with EA/TEF, type "C" and type "E," born at low-acuity centers, who required transport to a tertiary center for surgical support. The pathophysiology as well as types of TEFs, symptomology, stabilization goals, corrective treatment, and long-term implications will be examined. Finally, the educational needs of parents and caregivers will be discussed.

Analysis of gap length as a predictor of surgical outcomes in esophageal atresia with distal fistula: a single center experience.

PURPOSE: Long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) is still a challenge for pediatric surgery. No consensus exists as to what constitutes a long gap, and few studies have investigated the maximum gap length safely repairable by primary anastomosis. Based on surgical outcomes at a single institution, we aimed to determine the gap length in LGEA with a high risk of complications. METHODS: The medical records of 51, consecutive patients with esophageal atresia (EA) with primary repair in the early neonatal period between 2001 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Three, major complications were found in the surgical outcomes: (1) anastomotic leakage, (2) esophageal stricture requiring dilatation, and (3) GERD requiring fundoplication. The predictive power of the postsurgical complications was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) and the cutoff value with a specificity of > 90% were calculated. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (31.4%) experienced a complication. The AUC of gap length was0.90 (p < 0.001), and the gap length cutoff value was ≥ 2.0 cm for predicting any complication (sensitivity: 62.5%, specificity: 91.4%). CONCLUSION: A gap length ≥ 2.0 cm was considered as defining LGEA and was associated with an extremely high complication rate after primary repair.

Balloon dilatation for congenital esophageal stenosis associated with esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) associated with esophageal atresia (EA) is rare, and no standard treatment has been established. We reviewed cases of EA-associated CES to assess the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes, especially the feasibility of endoscopic dilatation. METHODS: We retrospectively examined patients with EA-associated CES. We also compared treatment outcomes of EA-associated CES with those of EA patients without CES who developed postoperative anastomotic stricture. RESULTS: Among 44 patients with EA, ten had CES (23%). Postoperative complications were not significantly different between EA patients with CES and those without CES but with anastomotic stricture. All CES patients underwent balloon dilatation as initial treatment. Eight of nine patients (89%) were successfully treated by dilatation only, and one patient underwent surgical resection. The median number of balloon dilatations for CES was five (2-17), which was higher than that for anastomotic stricture in patients without CES (p = 0.012). Esophageal perforation occurred in five patients with CES (5/9, 56%) after dilatation, but all perforations were successfully managed conservatively with an uneventful post-dilatation course. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-three percent of patients with EA had CES. Although balloon dilatation for EA-associated CES required multiple treatments and carried a risk of perforation, balloon dilatation showed an 89% success rate and all perforations could be managed conservatively.

Outcomes of Premature Infants With Type C Esophageal Atresia.

BACKGROUND: To review the outcomes of premature patients with type C esophageal atresia (EA). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, charts of patients of type C EA patients were reviewed from 1992 to 2022. Outcomes of premature patients were compared to term patients. Preterm patients were analyzed to compare outcomes of infants with very low birth weights (VLBW) to patients >1,500 g as well as primary versus delayed anastomosis. RESULTS: Among 192 type C EA, 67 were premature. Median and interquartile range (IQR) gestational age and birth weight of preterm patients were 34 [33-36] weeks and 1965 [1740-2290] g. Delayed anastomosis was performed in 12 (18%) preterm vs. 3 (2%) term patients (p = 0.0003). Short-term postoperative outcomes were similar between preterm and term patients, except for recurrent fistula (16% vs. 6%, p = 0.01). Prematurity was associated with an increased need for long-term enteral tube feeding (56% vs. 10%, p = 0.0001) and parenteral nutrition (10 days vs. 0 days, p = 0.0004). The length of stay was 3 times longer when patients were premature (50 days vs. 17 days, p = 0.002). Delayed surgery in preterm patients was associated with post-operative leaks, strictures, recurrent fistula, prolonged enteral tube feeding, and gastrostomy insertion. Patients with very low birth weight (VLBW) were compared to other preterm patients and showed no difference in terms of rate of delayed surgery, and post-operative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite increased prematurity-related comorbidities and low birth weight, premature infants with type C EA/TEF have similar post-operative outcomes to term patients though recurrent fistula was more frequent with prematurity. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation in children with repaired esophageal atresia.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the intestinal microbiota and intestinal inflammation of children with esophageal atresia (EA) to matched healthy controls, and to investigate the relationship between these factors and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 35 children with EA and 35 matched healthy controls (HC) from a single tertiary pediatric hospital in Australia was conducted. Demographic and dietary data were collected using surveys. Stool samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and fecal calprotectin measurements were used to measure intestinal inflammation. Comparisons were made between the groups, and correlations between the microbiota and clinical factors were investigated in the EA cohort. RESULTS: Compared to HC, children with EA had similar alpha diversity, but beta diversity analysis revealed clustering of EA and HC cohorts. Children with EA had a significantly higher relative abundance of the order Lactobacillales, and a lower abundance of the genus uncultured Bacteroidales S24-7. Fecal calprotectin was significantly higher in children with EA compared to HC. In the EA cohort, children taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) had lower alpha diversity and higher calprotectin levels compared to those not taking PPI's. There was a negative correlation between calprotectin and length/height-for-age z scores, and children with higher calprotectin levels had a greater burden of gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Children with EA have an altered intestinal microbiota compared to HC, which is likely related to PPI use, and may be impacting on growth and quality of life. It is important to rationalize PPI use in this cohort.

Proton pump inhibitors in esophageal atresia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is frequent and prolonged in esophageal atresia (EA) pediatric patients requiring routine use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, there are still controversies on the prophylactic use of PPIs and the efficacy of PPIs on GERD and EA complications in this special condition. The aim of the study is to assess the prophylactic use of PPIs in pediatric patients with EA and its complications. We, therefore, performed a systematic review including all reports on the subject from 1980 to 2022. We conducted meta-analysis of the pooled proportion of PPI-and no PPI groups using random effect model, meta-regression, and estimate heterogeneity by heterogeneity index I2 . Thirty-eight reports on the topic met the criteria selection, representing a cumulative 6044 patients with EA. Prophylactic PPI prescription during the first year of life does not appear to prevent GERD persistence at follow-up and is not associated with a significantly reduced rate of antireflux surgical procedures (ARP). PPIs improve peptic esophagitis and induce remission of eosinophilic esophagitis at a rate of 50%. Their effect on other GERD outcomes is uncertain. Evidence suggests that PPIs do not prevent anastomotic stricture, Barrett's esophagus, or respiratory complications. PPI use in EA can improve peptic and eosinophilic esophagitis but is ineffective on the other EA complications. Side effects of PPIs in EA are almost unknown.

Vocal Cord Paralysis after Repair of Esophageal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: Etiology of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) and laryngeal dysfunction may be congenital or surgical trauma of recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves. We assessed the incidence, risk factors, and morbidity of VCP after repair of esophageal atresia (EA). METHODS: Medical records of 201 EA patients from 2000 to 2022 were reviewed for this retrospective study. Postrepair vocal cord examination (VCE) included awake nasolaryngeal fiberoscopy by otolaryngologist or laryngoscopy under spontaneous breathing anesthesia. Before 2017, postoperative VCE was performed in symptomatic patients only and routinely after 2017. MAIN RESULTS: Overall, VCE was performed on 79 (38%) patients (52 asymptomatic), whereas 122 asymptomatic patients underwent no VCE. VCP was diagnosed in 32 of 79 patients (right 12, left 10, and bilateral 10; symptomatic 25 and asymptomatic unilateral 7) corresponding with extrapolated overall VCP incidence of 16 to 24% among 201 patients including asymptomatic ones. Ten patients (bilateral VCP 8 and left VCP 2) required tracheostomy. Of 10 patients with bilateral VCP, three underwent laryngotracheal expansion surgery (left VC lateralization in one and laryngoplasty in two with acquired subglottic stenosis), three remained tracheostomy dependent, three were off tracheostomy, and one died of complications after redo esophageal reconstruction. All patients with unilateral VCP managed without tracheostomy. Cervical dissection or ostomy formation was a major risk factor of VCP. CONCLUSION: Repair of EA is associated with a considerable risk of VCP and associated morbidity. Cervical EA surgery significantly increased the risk of VCP. Bilateral VCP may eventually require laryngotracheal expansion surgery.

Primary Posterior Tracheopexy at Time of Esophageal Atresia Repair Significantly Reduces Respiratory Morbidity.

PURPOSE: Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is often associated with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), which contributes to respiratory morbidity. Posterior tracheopexy (PT) is an established technique to treat TBM that develops after EA/TEF repair. This study evaluates the impact of primary PT at the time of initial EA/TEF repair. METHODS: Review of all newborn primary EA/TEF repairs (2016-2021) at two institutions. Long-gap EA and reoperative cases were excluded. Based on surgeon preference and preoperative bronchoscopy, neonates underwent primary PT (EA + PT Group) or not (EA Group). Perioperative, respiratory and nutritional outcomes within the first year of life were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 63 neonates, 21 (33%) underwent PT during EA/TEF repair. Groups were similar in terms of demographics, approach, and complications. Neonates in the EA + PT Group were significantly less likely to have respiratory infections requiring hospitalization within the first year of life (0% vs 26%, p = 0.01) or blue spells (0% vs 19%, p = 0.04). Also, they demonstrated improved weight-for-age z scores at 12 months of age (0.24 vs -1.02, p < 0.001). Of the infants who did not undergo primary PT, 10 (24%) developed severe TBM symptoms and underwent tracheopexy during the first year of life, whereas no infant in the EA + PT Group needed additional airway surgery (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Incorporation of posterior tracheopexy during newborn EA/TEF repair is associated with significantly reduced respiratory morbidity within the first year of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

What Proportion of Children With Complex Oesophageal Atresia Require Oesophageal Lengthening Procedures?

INTRODUCTION: Babies with oesophageal atresia (OA) who cannot achieve a primary anastomosis (complex OA) may be treated by attempted oesophageal lengthening. We contrast reported outcomes of lengthening with our experience of managing complex OA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series treated in an English regional centre was completed. Outcomes of interest were the rate of retention of the native oesophagus, complications requiring thoracotomy, rates of anastomotic leak, stricture, fundoplication, and mortality. Possible explanatory variables were the surgical techniques applied. RESULTS: 29/215 (13%) OA were complex, and 25/207 survived to repair. 14/25 (56%) had no distal fistula, pure OA, while 11/25 (44%) had a long gap with distal fistula. 18/25 (72%) had delayed primary anastomosis, while 7/25 (28%) required oesophageal replacement. However, 2 of the replacements were salvage procedures following failed traction. Only 4/207 (2%) of OA were potentially treatable by traction. Salvage surgery was required in 2/23 (9%) complex OA not subjected to lengthening. The native oesophagus was retained without utilising lengthening in 200/207 (97%). Amongst complex OA where traction techniques had not been attempted, the native oesophagus was retained in 18/23 (78%) of cases, with median time to oesophageal continuity of 77 days. There was no in hospital mortality following treatment of complex OA, and overall survival was identical to non-complex OA among cases surviving to anastomosis. DISCUSSION: Management of complex OA without lengthening procedures leads a similar rate of retention of the native oesophagus as reports describing lengthening, but with significantly less morbidity. We see little need for oesophageal lengthening in the management of complex OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A case of antenatally undiagnosed laryngeal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula with airway obstruction at birth and its management.

Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly that is usually diagnosed by antenatal ultrasound, however, if undiagnosed presents with desaturation after birth. A term neonate presented with airway obstruction after birth with multiple failed attempts at intubation and was rescued by proseal laryngeal mask airway (LMA). An esophagoscopy using an Ambuscope utilizing a modified connector assembly revealed an opening on the anterior wall of the esophagus with no esophageal atresia, leading to a diagnosis of H-type tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) with laryngeal atresia. The ability to ventilate the neonate via LMA with an absent glottic opening raised the possibility of TEF.

Comparison of robotic versus thoracoscopic repair for congenital esophageal atresia: a propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the rapid advancement of robotic surgery across various surgical domains, only cases of robotic repair (RR) for neonates with esophageal atresia (EA) have been reported. Comprehensive studies comparing RR and thoracoscopic repair (TR) are lacking. The authors aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of RR and TR for EA. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on 155 EA neonates undergoing RR (79 patients) or TR (76 patients) between August 2020 and February 2023 using propensity score matching. Asymmetric port distribution and step-trocar insertion techniques were applied during RR. Demographics and surgical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: After matching, 63 patients (out of 79) in RR group and 63 patients (out of 76) in TR group were included. There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between two groups, except for longer total operative time (173.81 vs. 160.54 min; P <0.001) and shorter anastomotic time (29.52 vs. 40.21 min; P <0.001) in RR group. Compared with TR group, the RR group had older age at surgery (8.00 vs. 3.00 days; P <0.001), but a comparable pneumonia rate. More importantly, the incidence of anastomotic leakage (4.76 vs. 19.05%, P =0.013), anastomotic stricture (15.87 vs. 31.74%, P =0.036) within 1 year postoperatively, and unplanned readmission (32.26 vs. 60.00%, P =0.030) within 2 years postoperatively were lower in RR group than in TR group. CONCLUSIONS: RR is a technically safe and effective option for EA patients. This approach delays the age of surgery without increasing respiratory complication rates while reducing the incidence of postoperative anastomotic complications and unplanned readmission.

Short and Medium Term Outcomes of Open and Laparoscopic Assisted Oesophageal Replacement Procedures.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We describe the short- and medium-term outcomes following open and laparoscopic assisted oesophageal replacement surgery in a single tertiary paediatric surgical centre. METHODS: A retrospective review (institutional audit approval no. 3213) on patients who underwent open or laparoscopic-assisted oesophageal replacement (OAR vs. LAR) at our centre between 2002 and 2021 was completed. Data collected (demographics, early complications, stricture formation, need for oesophageal dilatations, and mortality) were analysed using GraphPad Prism v 9.50 and are presented as median (IQR). RESULTS: 71 children (37 male) had oesophageal replacement surgery at a median age of 2.3 years (IQR 4.7 years). 51 were LAR (6 conversions). Replacement conduit was stomach (n = 67), colon (n = 3), or jejunum (n = 1). Most gastric transpositions had a pyloroplasty (46/67) or pyloromyotomy (14/67). Most common pathology was oesophageal atresia (n = 50 including 2 failed transpositions), caustic injury (n = 19 including 3 due to button battery), stricture of unknown cause (n = 1), and megaoesophagus (n = 1). There were 2 (2.8 %) early postoperative deaths at 2 days (major vessel thrombosis), 1 month (systemic sepsis), and one death at 5 years in the community. The rate of postoperative complications were comparable across LAR and OAR including anastomotic leak, pleural effusions, or early strictures. More patients with caustic pathology needed dilatations (60 % vs 30 % in OA, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of open and laparoscopic-assisted oesophageal replacement procedures are comparable in the short and medium term. Anastomotic stricture is higher in those with caustic injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Esophageal Atresia Associated with Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Coexistent congenital duodenal obstruction and esophageal atresia (EA) is known to have significant morbidity and mortality. Management strategies are not well-defined for this association. The data from the Turkish EA registry is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database search was done for the years 2015 to 2022. RESULTS: Among 857 EA patients, 31 (3.6%) had congenital duodenal obstruction. The mean birth weight was 2,104 (± 457) g with 6 babies weighing less than 1,500 g. Twenty-six (84%) had type C EA. The duodenal obstruction was complete in 15 patients and partial in 16. Other anomalies were detected in 27 (87%) patients. VACTERL-H was present in 15 (48%), anorectal malformation in 10 (32%), a major cardiac malformation in 6 (19%), and trisomy-21 in 3 (10%). Duodenal obstruction diagnosis was delayed in 10 (32%) babies for a median of 7.5 (1-109) days. Diagnosis for esophageal pathologies was delayed in 2. Among 19 babies with a simultaneous diagnosis, 1 died without surgery, 6 underwent triple repair for tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), EA, and duodenal obstruction, and 3 for TEF and duodenal obstruction in the same session. A staged repair was planned in the remaining 9 patients. In total, 15 (48%) patients received a gastrostomy, the indication was long-gap EA in 8. Twenty-five (77%) patients survived. The cause of mortality was sepsis (n = 3) and major cardiac malformations (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Congenital duodenal obstruction associated with EA is a complex problem. Delayed diagnosis is common. Management strategies regarding single-stage repairs or gastrostomy insertions vary notably depending on the patient characteristics and institutional preferences.

Thoracoscopic Stage Internal Traction Repair Reduces Time to Achieve Esophageal Continuity in Long Gap Esophageal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: Management of long gap esophageal atresia (LGOA) is controversial. This study aims at comparing the management of LGOA between two high-volume centers. METHODS: We included patients with LGOA (type A and B) between 2008 and 2022. Demographics, surgical methods, and outcomes were collected and compared. RESULTS: The study population involved 28 patients in center A and 24 patients in center B. A surgical approach was thoracoscopic in center A, only for one patient was open for final procedure. In center B, 3 patients were treated only thoracoscopically, 2 converted to open, and 19 as open surgery. In center A primary esophageal anastomosis concerned 1 case, two-staged esophageal lengthening using external traction 1 patient, and 26 were treated with the multistaged internal traction technique. In 24 patients a full anastomosis was achieved: in 23 patients only the internal traction technique was used, while 1 patient required open Collis-Nissen procedure as final management. In center B primary anastomosis was performed in 7 patients, delayed esophageal anastomosis in 8 patients, esophageal lengthening using external traction in 1 case, and 9 infants required esophageal replacement with gastric tube. Analyzed postoperative complications included: early mortality, 2/28 due to accompanied malformations (center A) and 0/24 (center B); anastomotic leakage, 4/26 (center A) treated conservatively-all patients had a contrast study-and 0/24 (center B), 1 case of pleural effusion, but no routine contrast study; recurrent strictures, 13/26 (center A) and 7/15 (center B); and need for fundoplication, 5/26 (center A) and 2/15 (center B). Age at esophageal continuity was as a median of 31 days in center A and 110 days in center B. Median time between initial procedure and esophageal anastomosis was 11 days in center A and 92 days in center B. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic internal traction technique reduces time to achieve esophageal continuity and the need for esophageal substitution while maintaining a similar early complication rate.

Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is 1 out of 3000-5000 live births. Its incidence in lower middle income countries is not known. The infants usually present with excessive secretions or choking while feeding and are at risk for aspiration. The outcome of these infants in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral, sepsis at presentation requiring preoperative stabilization, postoperative complications such as anastomosis leaks, pneumonia, and pneumothorax. CASE PRESENTATION: We present two African babies who were term infants at age 2 days (male) and 5 days (female) with diagnosis of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. The 5-day-old infant required preoperative stabilization due to sepsis and delayed surgery with a poor postoperative outcome. The 2-day-old infant was preoperatively stable and had a good postoperative outcome. The challenges faced in management of these two cases have been highlighted. CONCLUSION: Outcome of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral and poor postoperative healing attributed to sepsis and recurrent pneumothorax. Timely referral, preoperative condition of the infant, and timely management has shown to be a contributory factor for an improved outcome.

Azygos vein preservation revisited: impact on early outcomes after repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula in newborns.

Since the first successful repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) was performed approximately 8 decades ago, surgeons have made considerable technical advances in solving intraoperative surgical challenges and reducing postoperative complications. According to some surgeons, preserving the Azygos vein makes this modification attractive. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of preserving the Azygos vein during surgery for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula and to highlight its advantages in reducing anastomotic leak, stricture, and other postoperative outcomes. This prospective comparative series was conducted between April 2020 and April 2023. The study included all newborns with EA-TEF eligible for primary repair. Patients were randomized to either Group A or B. Group A underwent Azygos vein preservation, whereas the remaining patients (Group B) underwent Azygos vein disconnection. Sixty-four patients were included in this study. Thirty-two patients (Group A) underwent Azygos vein preservation during EA-TEF repair, and the remaining thirty-two patients (Group B) underwent Azygos vein ligation and disconnection. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics, clinical data, and operative findings (P > 0.05). Pneumonitis occurred in 4 patients in Group A and 16 patients in Group B. Anastomotic leaks occurred in two (6.2%) patients in Group A and six (18.7%) patients in Group B. There were two deaths in Group A and six deaths in Group B, with a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.0485). Preserving the Azygos vein during esophageal atresia repair reduces the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia, leakage, and stenosis, and decreases postoperative mortality. Therefore, we declare that this modification is a significant and valuable addition to the current surgical procedures.

Perioperative anaesthetic management and short-term outcome of neonatal repair of oesophageal atresia with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula in Europe: A sub-analysis of the neonate and children audit of anaesthesia practice in Europe (NECTARINE) prospective multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Oesophageal atresia with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula is a congenital abnormality that usually requires surgical repair within the first days of life. OBJECTIVE: Description of the perioperative anaesthetic management and outcomes of neonates undergoing surgery for oesophageal atresia with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, included in the 'neonate and children audit of anaesthesia practice in Europe' (NECTARINE) database. DESIGN: Sub-analyses of prospective observational NECTARINE study. SETTING: European multicentre study. PATIENTS: Neonates who underwent surgery for oesophageal atresia with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula in the NECTARINE cohort were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for peri-operative clinical events which required a predetermined intervention, postoperative complications, and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and three neonates undergoing a first surgical intervention for oesophageal atresia with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair were identified. Their median gestational age was 38 weeks with a median birth weight of 2840 [interquartile range 2150 to 3150] grams. Invasive monitoring was used in 66% of the procedures. The incidence of perioperative clinical events was 69% (95% confidence interval 59 to 77%), of 30-day postoperative complications 47% (95% confidence interval 38 to 57%) and the 30- and 90 days mortality rates were 2.1% and 2.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Oesophageal atresia with or without a tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair in neonates is associated with a high number of perioperative interventions in response to clinical events, a high incidence of postoperative complications, and a substantial mortality rate.

Dysphagia in patients undergoing esophageal atresia surgery: Assessment using a functional scale. / Disfagia en pacientes intervenidos de atresia de esófago: valoración con una escala funcional.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphagia is defined as difficulty swallowing. Up to 84% of patients undergoing esophageal atresia surgery have dysphagia beyond the neonatal period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients undergoing esophageal atresia surgery from 2005 to 2021 was carried out. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) was used to assess dysphagia in 4 age groups (< 1 year old, 1-4 years old, 5-11 years old, and > 11 years old). FOIS scores < 7 or symptoms of choking, impaction, or food aversion were regarded as dysphagia. RESULTS: 63 patients were analyzed. 74% (47/63) had dysphagia during follow-up. Prevalence was 50% in patients < 1 year old (FOIS mean 4.32), 77% in patients aged 1-4 (FOIS mean 5.61), 45% in patients aged 5-11 (FOIS mean 5.87), and 38% in patients > 11 years old (FOIS mean 6.8). The most frequent causes of dysphagia were stenosis, which occurred in 38% of the patients (n=24), and gastroesophageal reflux (n=18), which was present in 28% of the patients. Both conditions were associated with significantly lower mean FOIS scores (p< 0.05) in the patients under 11 years of age. Differences (p< 0.05) were found in the dysphagia-associated perinatal factors in the various age groups, with longer ventilation assistance times, parenteral nutrition, and hospital stays. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphagia is an extremely frequent symptom at any given age in patients undergoing esophageal atresia surgery. A standardized, cross-disciplinary follow-up is key to improve quality of life.

INTRODUCCION: La disfagia se define como dificultad en el proceso de alimentación. Hasta un 84% de pacientes intervenidos de atresia de esófago tienen disfagia más allá del periodo neonatal. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos intervenidos por atresia de esófago 2005-2021. Se utilizó la escala FOIS (Functional Oral Intake Scale) para cuantificar la disfagia en 4 grupos de edad (menores de 1 año, 1-4 años, 5-11 años y mayores de 11 años). Se consideró disfagia cualquier valor de FOIS < 7 o síntomas de atragantamiento, impactación o aversión alimentaria. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron datos de 63 pacientes. El 74% (47/63) presentó disfagia durante el seguimiento. La prevalencia fue del 50% < 1 año (media FOIS 4.32), 77% 1-4 años (media FOIS 5.61), 45% 5-11 años (media FOIS 5.87) y 38% > 11 años (media FOIS 6.8). Las causas más frecuentes de disfagia fueron la estenosis, que presentó un 38% de los pacientes (n= 24) y el reflujo gastroesofágico (n= 18), que presentó a su vez un 28% de los pacientes. Ambas condiciones se asociaron con unos valores medios de FOIS significativamente menores (p< 0,05) en los pacientes menores de 11 años. Se encontraron diferencias (p< 0,05) en factores perinatales asociados a disfagia en los distintos periodos de edad, a destacar mayor tiempo medio de: asistencia ventilatoria, nutrición parenteral e ingreso hospitalario. CONCLUSIONES: La disfagia es un síntoma extremadamente frecuente a cualquier edad en los pacientes intervenidos de atresia de esófago. Un seguimiento estandarizado y multidisciplinar es esencial para mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.