Abstract
Abstract Introduction Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) has been used in different conditions such as recurrent and congenital tracheoesophageal fistula and branchial sinus of the pyriform fossa. Nevertheless, it has never been described as a treatment for symptomatic tracheal pouches after an esophageal atresia repair. This study reports two cases of endoscopic treatment with TCA of symptomatic residual tracheal pouches in 2 children with repaired type III esophageal atresia. Case Reports Two cases of 7 and 8 years with esophageal atresia type III repaired in the neonatal period. Both were diagnosed with severe tracheomalacia and presented recurrent pulmonary infections complicated with pulmonary bronchiectasis. One of the patients benefited from a Nissen fundoplication due to severe gastroesophageal reflux at 2 years of life. Due to persistent respiratory infections bronchoscopy was indicated detecting a blind 2 cm tracheal pouch at the level of the carina in both patients. Endoscopic treatment by the use of TCA was performed. By rigid bronchoscopy chemo-cauterization of the pouch with 50% TCA followed by a brush abrasion of the mucosa was done. Postoperatively one of the patients developed a slight and limited subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema due to postoperative cough. No other complications were reported. Endoscopic control at 3 months (and also 12 in 1 case) after procedure showed complete obliteration of the tracheal pouches. After a medium follow-up of 17.5 months (14 and 21) a significant decrease in the number of respiratory infections and hospital admissions has been observed in both cases. Conclusion Endoscopic treatment by the use of 50% TCA in symptomatic tracheal pouches seems safe and effective. The complex surgical corrections of these conditions make it a perfect indication, representing a minimally invasive alternative.
Published Version
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