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.

Local injection of platelet-rich plasma offers a new therapeutic option for the treatment of esophagotracheal fistula: a case report.

Esophagotracheal fistula (ETF), one of the most serious complications in the treatment of esophageal cancer, presents a complex management challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with ETF. The most commonly used method for treating ETF is esophageal stenting. However, because of the variable location and size of the fistula, stent placement alone sometimes fails to completely close the fistula, and complications such as fracture and displacement of the esophageal stent may occur. Therefore, safer and more effective methods for the treatment of ETF are required. In recent years, the application of bioactive factors to promote human tissue repair and wound healing has increased and achieved good therapeutic results. We herein describe a case in which we performed endoscopic injection of platelet-rich plasma directly into the ETF site and achieved a favorable outcome. This case suggests that local injection of platelet-rich plasma is a novel treatment modality for ETF.

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.

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.

Mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight infants with esophageal atresia.

PURPOSE: Very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) have been thought as risk of bad outcomes in the patients with esophageal atresia (EA). However, detailed outcomes of EA within VLBWIs were not fully understood. We aimed to reveal short- and long-term outcomes in VLBWIs with EA. METHODS: Clinical data regarding VLBWIs with EA registered in Neonatal Research Network Japan, a multicenter research database in Japan, were collected. Patients with chromosomal abnormality were excluded. Short term outcome was survival discharge from NICU and long-term outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were analyzed. the overall survival discharge rate from NICU was 68.0% (70/103). The risk of death was increased as the birth weight got reduced. The presence of associated anomaly increased the risk of death. Three-year neurodevelopmental information was available in 32.9% (23/70) of patients. Of the 23 included patients for 3-year follow-up, 34.8% had NDI. The risk of NDI was increased as the birth weight reduced. CONCLUSIONS: In VLBWIs with EA, survival discharge from NICU was still not high. More immature patients and patients with an associated anomaly had worse outcomes. Among patients who survived, NDI was confirmed in a certain number of patients.

Challenging management of an enlarged tracheoesophageal fistula in an irradiated patient.

Speech restoration after total laryngectomy may be achieved in different ways, the gold standard being tracheoesophageal puncture (TPE) with the positioning of a speech prosthesis. TPE is not immune to complications, the most common of which being leakage through or around the prosthesis. When dealing with an enlarged tracheoesophageal fistula, the management can be either conservative or surgical. In the following case report, we present a particularly challenging case, in which every conservative strategies failed and a major surgery was required to close the fistula.

Diagnosis and management of congenital type D esophageal atresia.

This study was performed to describe the current clinical practice and outcomes of type D esophageal atresia. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who were diagnosed with type D esophageal atresia and underwent esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula repair in the Capital Institute of Pediatrics and Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2017 to May 2022. Ten patients include three newborns and seven non-newborns. Seven (70%) cases were misdiagnosed as type C esophageal atresia before the first operation. Three neonatal children underwent thoracoscopic distal tracheoesophageal fistula ligation and esophageal anastomosis: the proximal tracheoesophageal fistula was simultaneously repaired with thoracoscopy in one of these children, and the proximal tracheoesophageal fistula was not detected under thoracoscopy in the other two children. Among the seven non-neonatal children, one underwent repair of the proximal tracheoesophageal fistula through the chest and the other six underwent repair through the neck. Nine patients were cured, and one died of complications of severe congenital heart disease. Type D esophageal atresia lacks specific clinical manifestations. Misdiagnosis as type C esophageal atresia is the main cause of an unplanned reoperation. Patients without severe malformations have a good prognosis.

Analysis of mortality and long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study analyzed factors that affect mortality in patients surgically treated for EA, then explored the long-term problems encountered by these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 252 patients with EA who were either diagnosed, treated, and subsequently followed at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital, or were treated surgically elsewhere but followed at our center, between January 2010 and January 2020,214 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Early complications:One or more early complications were observed in 132(62.5%) of the 211 patients who underwent surgical EA repair. The most common early complication was AS, which developed in 106(50.2%) patients. Anastomosis leakage. Was detected in 48 (22.7%) patients. Late complications: The late findings of 161 patients who underwent definitive surgery and had a mean follow-up period of 68 months (range, 6-120 months) were evaluated. The most common late complication was GER. MORTALITY: Of the 214 patients in our study, 63(29.4%) died, including 48(76.2%) during the early period after the first surgery. Of the 10(15.9%) patients who died during the late period. CONCLUSION: In our study, the most common early complication was anastomotic stenosis in patients with esophageal atresia. We recommend balloon dilation in the treatment of anastomotic stenosis.Gastroesophageal reflux is the most common long-term complication. Most of these can be treated conservatively and medically. The association of low birth weight, cardiac anomalies, prematurity and VACTERL increased mortality in patients with esophageal atresia in our study. KEY WORDS: Esophageal Atresia, Morbidity, Late Period, Mortality, Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

Morbidity and mortality among neonates with esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Although rare, esophageal atresia (EA) and/or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) can lead to severe morbidity and mortality. A known complication of EA and/or TEF repair is vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI). OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prevalence of VFMI among repaired EA and/or TEF at a national level and to identify factors associated with in-patient mortality and common clinical endpoints in this population (tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube dependence). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of inpatient neonate admissions with EA and/or TEF in the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). Patients with a history of EA and/or TEF were identified with ICD-10 codes. VFMI prevalence was assessed by observed frequencies and percentages. Clinical endpoints included gastrostomy (G-)tube placement, tracheostomy status, and inpatient mortality. Potential predictors of these three primary outcomes included cardiac anomalies, airway disorders, chromosomal anomalies, surgery within 24 h of admission, prematurity, and low birthweight (LBW). Chi-squared analysis was performed between each parameter and the primary outcomes. Significant associations (p-value<0.05) were further assessed with multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1062 neonates with history of EA and/or TEF, 24 (2.3%) had VFMI. Among this population, 27 patients underwent tracheostomies and 63 required G-tubes. There was a significantly higher likelihood of tracheostomy in patients with VFMI compared to patients without (16.7% versus 2.2%; p < 0.01). After multivariate analysis, birthweight less than 1.5 kg (BW < 1.5 kg; OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.03-6.10), extreme prematurity (OR = 7.5, 95% CI: 2.00-28.07), cardiac anomalies (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.01-3.04) and chromosomal anomalies (OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.39-7.44) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.73-12.78) and BW < 1.5 kg (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.05-5.49) were significant predictors for G-tube status. For tracheostomy, BPD (OR = 15.8, 95% CI: 4.70-52.83) and subglottic stenosis (SS, OR = 11.2, 95% CI: 1.85-68.02) remained significant predictors after multivariate regression. CONCLUSION: The national prevalence of VFMI among neonates following EA and/or TEF repair was 2.3% and was associated with an increased likelihood of tracheostomy in the KID 2016. Significant predictors of in-hospital mortality were cardiac anomalies, chromosomal anomalies, extreme prematurity, and BW < 1.5 kg. BPD and SS were significant predictors of tracheostomy, and BPD and BW < 1.5 kg were significant predictors for G-tube requirements.

Type III congenital pulmonary airway malformation associated with oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. A case report and review of literature.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) together with oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a very rare condition in neonates. We presented a case of an infant with Gross type C oesophageal atresia with TOF coexisting with Stocker Type III CPAM in our centre. It is interesting to know that TOF associated with type III CPAM has never been reported in the literature. The child was delivered through caesarean section, and because of respiratory distress post-delivery, endotracheal intubation was carried out immediately. CPAM was diagnosed by a suspicious finding from the initial chest X-ray and the diagnosis was confirmed through computed tomography scan of the chest. The patient was initially stabilised in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and after the successful ligation of fistula and surgical repair of TOF, lung recruitment was started by high flow oscillatory ventilation. The patient recovered well without complications and able to maintain good saturation without oxygen support through the stay in the neonatal unit. Early recognition of this rare association is essential for immediate transfer to NICU, the intervention of any early life-threatening complications, and for vigilant monitoring in the postoperative period.

Clinical features of a tracheoesophageal fistula associated with complete tracheal rings.

PURPOSE: A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) associated with complete tracheal rings (CTR) is extremely rare. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical features of this combination. METHODS: Records of 39 patients diagnosed with TEF with or without CTR between January 2013 and February 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included location of the TEF and CTR, esophageal gap, surgery of TEF/esophageal atresia (EA), and symptoms of CTR. RESULTS: Seven patients had CTR, while 32 patients did not have CTR. TEF was frequently located higher than the T4 vertebra, and the median esophageal gap was shorter in patients with CTR than in those without (5/7 [71.4%] vs. 6/32 [18.8%], P = 0.012; 0 (range: 0-15) mm vs. 13.3 (range: 0-40) mm, P = 0.017, respectively). TEF was located just above the beginning of the CTR in all patients. All patients with CTR underwent primary esophageal anastomosis. Additionally, two patients were diagnosed with CTR before TEF/EA repair. A tracheal tube was prevented from contacting the CTR during TEF/EA repair, and respiratory insufficiency did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may help pediatric surgeons in the management of TEF with CTR.

Tracheoesophageal fistula closure after staged dose-escalated radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a case report.

An esophageal fistula can be caused by an esophageal tumor as well as the surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or chemoradiotherapy used to treat the tumor. The most dangerous complications are massive hemoptysis and asphyxia. This report describes a 58-year-old man with a >1-month history of dysphagia and hemoptysis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a tumor in the upper esophagus and a tracheoesophageal fistula. Esophagography revealed a large lesion measuring approximately 8 cm in length. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an ulcerated tumor with raised margins originating 22 cm from the incisors, and histologic examination of a biopsy specimen indicated squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor was finally classified as stage IVA (T4bN0M0) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Massive hemoptysis occurred after the patient was admitted to the hospital. Therefore, we applied staged dose-escalated RT in three stages (6.0 Gy in 5 fractions, 7.5 Gy in 5 fractions, and 46.8 Gy in 26 fractions) to decrease the rate of tumor shrinkage brought on by RT and give the normal tissue enough time to close the fistula. Finally, the hemoptysis resolved and the patient's symptoms were significantly improved. Contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography revealed shrinkage of the tumor. In conclusion, staged dose-escalated RT can be applied for esophageal fistula closure.

Anastomotic time was associated with postoperative complications: a cumulative sum analysis of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula in a single surgeon's experience.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) by a single surgeon using a cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. METHODS: Prospective clinical data of consecutive Gross type-C TEF repairs performed by a pediatric surgeon from 2010 to 2020 were recorded. CUSUM charts for anastomosis and operating times were generated. The learning curves were compared with the effect of accumulation based on case experience. RESULTS: For 33 consecutive cases, the mean operative and anastomosis times were 139 ± 39 min and 3137 ± 1110 s, respectively. Significant transitions beyond the learning phase for total operating and anastomosis times were observed at cases 13 and 17. Both the total operating time and anastomosis time were significantly faster in the proficiency improvement phase than in the initial learning phase. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after the initial anastomosis learning phase but not after the initial total operating learning phase. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic repair of TEF is considered safe and feasible after 13 cases, where the surgeon can improve their proficiency with the total operation procedure, and 17 cases, which will enable the surgeon to achieve proficiency in anastomosis. Postoperative complications significantly decreased after gaining familiarity with the anastomosis procedure through the learning phase.

Risk factors for postoperative anastomotic leakage after repair of esophageal atresia: a retrospective nationwide database study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative anastomotic leakage is the most frequent short-term complication of esophageal atresia repair in neonates. We conducted this study using a nationwide surgical database in Japan to identify the risk factors for anastomotic leakage in neonates undergoing esophageal atresia repair. METHODS: Neonates diagnosed with esophageal atresia between 2015 and 2019 were identified in the National Clinical Database. Postoperative anastomotic leakage was compared among patients to identify the potential risk factors, using univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis included sex, gestational age, thoracoscopic repair, staged repair, and procedure time as independent variables. RESULTS: We identified 667 patients, with an overall leakage incidence of 7.8% (n = 52). Anastomotic leakage was more likely in patients who underwent staged repairs than in those who did not (21.2% vs. 5.2%, respectively) and in patients with a procedure time > 3.5 h than in those with a procedure time < 3.5 h (12.6% vs. 3.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified staged repair (odds ratio [OR] 4.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22-10.16, p < 0.001) and a longer procedure time (OR 4.65, 95% CI 2.38-9.95, p < 0.001) as risk factors associated with postoperative leakage. CONCLUSION: Staged procedures and long operative times are associated with postoperative anastomotic leakage, suggesting that leakage is more likely after complex esophageal atresia repair and that such patients require refined treatment strategies.

Feeding and Swallowing Characteristics of Children With Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize feeding/swallowing difficulties in children with esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) and evaluate associations among feeding difficulties, pharyngeal dysphagia (PD), and other aerodigestive evaluation findings. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of feeding/swallowing characteristics of 44 patients with EA/TEF treated in the aerodigestive program of a single academic medical institution from 2010 to 2015. Demographics, comorbidities, presence and characteristics of feeding/swallowing difficulties, and results of relevant diagnostic tests [videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS), clinical feeding evaluations (CFEs), chest computerized tomography (CT) scans, pulmonary bronchoscopies, and upper GI (UGI)/esophagrams] were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the cohort had PD and 88.6% had feeding difficulties. Across 118 encounters (87 VFSS and 31 CFEs), feeding difficulties suggestive of esophageal dysphagia were most frequently seen in children over 48 months and feeding difficulties suggestive of developmental feeding problems were most frequently seen in children from 24 to 48 months. Abnormal findings were present in 59.8% of VFSS, with aspiration (34.5%) and pharyngeal residue (26.4%) the most frequently observed signs of dysphagia. Abnormal UGI/esophagram findings were not associated with significantly increased risk of feeding difficulties during visits within 3 months (risk ratio, RR = 1.33). Presence of dysphagia was associated with increased risk for some abnormal CT findings (RR= 3.0 for airspace and 3.0 for bronchiectasis). CONCLUSIONS: Feeding/swallowing difficulties are common in EA/TEF, and types of feeding difficulties vary by patient age. The presence of abnormal findings on UGI/esophagram did not increase the risk of feeding complaints; however, the presence of dysphagia increased the risk of abnormal chest CT.