A gasless abdomen does not exclude distal tracheoesophageal fistula: the value of a repeat x-ray

Abstract

A “gasless abdomen” in babies with esophageal atresia (EA) has traditionally been thought to imply absence of a distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). We present 3 neonates with a provisional diagnosis of EA, who had a gasless abdomen on an initial x-ray taken within the first 4 hours of life. These children were subsequently shown to have gas in the stomach associated with a distal TEF. Two children were examined on subsequent repeat x-ray of the abdomen, when gas was demonstrated in the stomach. Another child had a laparotomy for a gastrostomy when a distended stomach was found. This baby went on to have a thoracotomy and a routine repair of the distal TEF and an esophageal anastamosis. Based on our data of 65 cases of EA and distal TEF, it is recommended that an x-ray of the abdomen is repeated before surgery is undertaken if the gasless abdomen is documented during the first 4 hours of life.