Esophageal Fistula Research Articles

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for malignant esophageal fistula based on radiomics and clinical factors.

BackgroundThe current study aimed to comprehensively analyze the clinical prognostic factors of malignant esophageal fistula (MEF). Furthermore, this study sought to establish and validate prognostic nomograms incorporating radiomics and clinical factors to predict overall survival and median survival after fistula for patients with MEF.MethodsThe records of 76 patients with MEF were retrospectively analyzed. A stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to screen independent prognostic factors and develop clinical nomograms. Radiomic features were extracted from prefistula CT images and post fistula CT images. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression algorithm was used to filter radiomic features and avoid overfitting. Radiomic signature was a linear combination of optimal features and corresponding coefficients. The joint prognostic nomograms was constructed by radiomic signatures and clinical features. All models were validated by Harrell's concordance index (C‐index), caliberation and bootstrap validation.ResultsFor overall survival, age, prealbumin, KPS and interval between diagnosis of esophageal cancer and fistula were identified as independent prognostic factors and incorporated into the clinical nomogram. Age, prealbumin, serum albumin, KPS and neutrophil proportion were selected for the clinical nomogram of post fistula survival. The C‐index of overall survival nomogram was 0.719 (95% CI: 0.645–0.793) and that was 0.722 (95% CI: 0.653–0.791) in the post fistula survival nomogram. The radiomic signature developed by radiomic features of prefistula CT showed a significant correlation with both overall survival and post fistula survival. The C‐index of joint nomogarm for overall survival and post fistula survival was 0.831 (95% CI: 0.757–0.905) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.686–0.854), respectively. The calibration curve showed the joint nomograms outperformed the clinical ones.ConclusionsThe study presents nomograms incorporating independent clinical risk factors and radiomic signature to predict the prognosis of MEF. This prognostic classification system has the potential to guide therapeutic decisions for patients with malignant esophageal fistulas.

Autopsy Techniques in Patients With History of Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.

Esophageal fistula formation is one of the most feared complications of radiofrequency catheter ablation. This procedure and its many variations, such as the "maze," are becoming the mainstream treatment for atrial fibrillation owing to limitations of antiarrhythmic drugs. The incidence of this complication rate has been reported to be from 0.01% to 1%. To delineate the importance of using the en bloc Letulle method of dissection for identifying esophageal fistulas for cases with a history of radiofrequency catheter ablation. Six autopsy cases with a history of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation were selected from 1736 autopsies performed between 2009 and 2020. The initial presenting symptoms included neurologic symptoms, chest pains, epigastric discomfort, and sepsis. Transesophageal echocardiogram in 4 cases showed no evidence of thrombus or vegetation, however, 2 cases had evidence of atrial esophageal fistula. The autopsy findings included 5 atrial esophageal fistulas and 1 esophagopericardial fistula. Atrial esophageal fistulas were small and could be detected without difficulty when the en bloc Letulle technique was used and would have been easily missed by the Virchow method. The immediate causes of the deaths were myocardial ischemia, septic emboli to brain and heart, hypovolemic shock secondary to exsanguination, stroke, and coagulopathy. To date, this is the largest collection of autopsy cases showing esophageal fistula associated with prior radiofrequency catheter ablation. The Letulle dissection method is preferable in this setting.

S3551 Unique Communication: A Case Report of Acquired Esophageal Pulmonary Fistula

Introduction: Esophageal respiratory fistula is an abnormal communication between the esophagus and the respiratory system. We present a case of esophageal pulmonary fistula in a patient with a history of broncho-esophageal fistula treated with esophageal stent placement. Case Description/Methods: A 53-year-old homeless male with a history of alcoholism, perforated peptic ulcer status post antrectomy with type II billroth reconstruction, pseudodiverticulum of the distal third of esophagus, broncho-esophageal fistula and HIV presented with dyspnea and productive cough for 2 weeks. He reported dysphagia to liquids and unintentional weight loss. Review of medical records revealed admission for pneumonia 3 years ago with workup suggestive of broncho-esophageal fistula followed by endoscopic fully covered self-expandable metallic stent placement with removal after 2 months to reassess fistula. Repeat Computed tomography (CT) chest showed resolution of fistula. However, he lost the follow up afterwards. On this admission, the patient appeared disheveled with crackles on the right side. CT chest without contrast showed debris filling the middle and lower esophagus, right pleural effusion with multiple areas of gas. CT chest with contrast showed irregular and debris distended esophagus with locules of air extending from the region of the esophagus into the mediastinum and right lower lung parenchyma. Fluoroscopy esophagram documented contrast extravasation from the right side of the distal esophagus into the right lower lobe parenchyma compatible with esophageal pulmonary fistula. An esophageal stent placement was planned but was declined by the patient. Discussion: Non-malignant etiologies of acquired esophageal respiratory fistula include post-operative, intubation associated, history of tracheal and esophageal stents, blunt trauma and pseudodiverticulum of the esophagus. In our case, etiologies of broncho-esophageal fistula and then esophageal-pulmonary fistula were multifactorial which include esophagitis due to history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), history of antral gastrectomy, history of stent placement for a broncho esophageal fistula and pseudodiverticulum of distal third of the esophagus. Given the significant morbidity and mortality associated with a missed diagnosis of esophageal pulmonary fistula, early diagnosis with prompt treatment with an endoscopically placed covered stent and close follow up is crucial.Figure 1.: The distal one third of esophagus is markedly dilated and irregular in contour. Contrast is seen extravasating from the right side of the esophagus into the right lower lobe parenchyma consistent with esophageal pulmonary fistula.

Detail correction for Gross classification of esophageal atresia based on 434 cases in China.

Detail correction for Gross classification of esophageal atresia based on 434 cases in China.

Mid- and Long-Term Follow-Up Efficacy Analysis of 3D-Printed Interbody Fusion Cages for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and stability of 3D‐printed interbody fusion cages (3D‐printed cages) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by investigating the mid‐ and long‐term follow‐up outcomes.MethodsIn this prospective study, the clinical data of 30 patients with CSM admitted to the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2012 to May 2014 were analyzed. The cohort comprised 18 males and 12 females with an average age of 60.22 ± 3.2 years. All patients were examined by X‐ray, CT and MRI before the operation. A total of 30 cases of CSM were treated by ACDF with 3D printed cage implantation. Mid‐ and long‐term follow‐ups were performed after the surgery. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by comparing the JOA score, SF‐36 score, change in neurological function, cervical curvature index (CCI), vertebral intervertebral height (VIH) and fusion rate before the operation, 6 months after the operation, and at the last follow‐up.ResultsTwo of the 30 patients were lost to follow‐up. The remaining patients were followed up for 48–76 (65.23 ± 3.54) months. The patients recovered satisfactorily with a significant clinical effect. The JOA score increased meanfully and the improvement rate was 89.4% at the final follow‐up. The SF‐36 score increased significantly from pre‐ to postoperatively. The height of the intervertebral space at the last follow‐up was not statistically significantly different from that at 6 months after surgery (P > 0.05), showing that the height of the intervertebral space did not change much and the severity of cage subsidence (CS) decreased. The CCI improved from pre‐ to postoperatively. The CCI did not change much from the 6‐month follow‐up to the last follow‐up. and the cage rate (CR) was 100% at the 6‐month and last follow‐ups. No severe complications, such as spinal cord injury, esophageal fistula, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, cervical hematoma or wound infection, occurred in any of the patients.ConclusionThe clinical and radiological results show that the application of 3D‐printed cages in ACDF can significantly relieve symptoms. Moreover, 3D‐printed cages can restore the curvature of the cervical spine, effectively maintain the intervertebral height for a long time, and prevent complications related to postoperative subsidence.

Recurrent Choking in a 40 days Old Infant: A Diagnostic Challenge

Malrotation of the gut is a surgical problem. Clinical presentation is asymptomatic to symptomatic likes vomiting, abdominal distension, constipation, or sub-acute or acute intestinal obstruction. Rotational anomalies occur due to the arrest of normal rotation of the embryonic gut. Intestinal malrotation occurs when the normal embryological process of bowel rotation happens incorrectly or incompletely. Malrotation of gut was diagnosed by clinical features plus contrast radiograph and/or laparotomy. Our patient 40 days old infant presented with recurrent choking attack after breastfeeding with fever, cough, and respiratory distress. Infant was treated a case of aspiration pneumonia with gastroesophageal reflux, with keeping in mind trachea esophageal fistula and achalasia cardia like rare entity after exclusion of common etiology of choking. Pneumonia improved by treatment but choking persisted. Finally it was diagnosed as a case of partial malrotation of upper gut per-operatively.
 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2021; VOL 45 (1) : 51-54

Development and validation of a novel 3D-printed simulation model for open oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair

BackgroundThe role of simulation training in paediatric surgery is expanding as more simulation devices are designed and validated. We aimed to conduct a training needs assessment of UK paediatric surgical trainees to prioritise procedures for simulation, and to validate a novel 3D-printed simulation model for oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) repair.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to UK trainee paediatric surgeons surveying the availability and utility of simulation. The operation ranked as most useful to simulate was OA-TOF repair. 3D-printing techniques were used to build an OA-TOF model. Content, face and construct validity was assessed by 40 paediatric surgeons of varying experience.ResultsThirty-four paediatric surgeons completed the survey; 79% had access to surgical simulation at least monthly, and 47% had access to paediatric-specific resources. Perceived utility of simulation was 4.1/5. Validation of open OA-TOF repair was conducted by 40 surgeons. Participants rated the model as useful 4.9/5. Anatomical realism was scored 4.2/5 and surgical realism 3.9/5. The model was able to discriminate between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.ConclusionUK paediatric surgeons voted OA-TOF repair as the most useful procedure to simulate. In response we have developed and validated an affordable 3D-printed simulation model for open OA-TOF repair.

Detection of Oesophageal Fistula by Radionuclide Salivagram SPECT/CT.

PurposeVideofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) is currently the most widely used clinical examination method for diagnosis of oesophageal fistula, but it has many limitations. Therefore, we evaluated radionuclide salivagram single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) as a new method of oesophageal fistula diagnosis.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the data of 11 patients (10 men and 1 woman, aged 41 to 70 years, with an average age of 58.6 years) who had clinically suspected oesophageal fistula from January 2019 to October 2020. They underwent radionuclide salivagram SPECT/CT and VFSS examinations, and we analysed and compared the results of the two examinations.ResultsA total of 11 patients were included in this study. Ten underwent both salivagram and VFSS examinations. One patient was unable to swallow the contrast agent; therefore, only salivagram was performed, and we excluded this patient from the VFSS analysis. A total of 11 patients underwent salivagram examinations, of which 6 were positive and 5 were negative. A total of 10 patients were tested by VFSS, of which 6 results were positive and 4 were negative.ConclusionRadionuclide salivagram SPECT/CT and VFSS are complementary, which can greatly improve the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of oesophageal fistula. When the patient cannot perform the VFSS, or the clinical symptoms are inconsistent with the VFSS imaging findings, the salivagram is an ideal test method.

Effect of muscle relaxants on the prognosis of neonates with congenital esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula after surgery

OBJECTIVE To summarize the experience in the application of muscle relaxants in the perioperative period in neonates with congenital esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF). METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 58 previously untreated neonates with EA-TEF who were treated in the Neonatal Center of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2017 to 2019. The incidence rate of anastomotic leak was compared between the neonates receiving muscle relaxants for different durations after surgery (≤ 5 days and > 5 days). The correlation between the duration of postoperative use of muscle relaxants and the duration of mechanical ventilation was evaluated. RESULTS Among the 58 neonates with EA-TEF, 44 underwent surgery, among whom 35 with type III EA-TEF underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Among these 35 neonates, 30 (86%) received muscle relaxants after surgery, with a median duration of 4.75 days, and 6 (18%) experienced anastomotic leak. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of anastomosis leak between the ≤ 5 days and > 5 days groups (P > 0.05). The duration of postoperative invasive mechanical ventilation was positively correlated with the duration of the use of muscle relaxants (rs=0.548, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Prolonged use of muscle relaxants after surgery cannot significantly reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak, but can prolong the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation in neonates with EA-TEF. Therefore, prolonged use of muscle relaxants is not recommended after surgery.

Feasible techniques in robotic thoracoscopic repair of congenital esophageal atresia: case report and literature review

BackgroundRobotic repair for esophageal atresia (EA) using da Vinci system is challenging. Specific surgical techniques need to be explored to overcome the current hurdles.Case presentationTwo cases with EA (type I and type III by Gross classification, respectively) were repaired using da Vinci robotic system. Step trocar insertion and asymmetric ports distribution techniques were used. The mean weight was 3.2 kg. Operative times were 95 min totally, with the anastomotic time of 27.5 min. Follow-up duration was 12 months. Esophageal fistula reoccurred in one case. None was confirmed anastomotic stricture.ConclusionStep trocar insertion procedure and asymmetric ports distribution technique are effective in robotic esophageal atresia.

The efficacy and safety of toripalimab combined with definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

e16043 Background: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment option for unresectable locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, the loco-regional and distant recurrences after definitive CRT were as high as 50%. Immunotherapy targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis has demonstrated antitumor activity in advanced esophageal cancer. With the potential benefit of combining PD-1 blockade to CRT, we performed a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of toripalimab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) and definitive CRT in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: Patients with previously untreated, unresectable, stage II–IVA ESCC were enrolled. Patients received concurrent radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions), chemotherapy (weekly paclitaxel 50 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 for 5 cycles), and toripalimab (240 mg, every 3 weeks until 12 months or disease progression). The primary endpoint was clinical complete response (cCR) rate at 3 months after CRT according to PET-CT scan and esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsies. Second endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events (AEs). Exploratory endpoints included PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and genetic biomarkers as potential efficacy predictors. Results: Between November 2019 and December 2020, 42 eligible patients (2 stage II, 19 stage III, and 21 stage IVA) were included. Of them, 39 completed CRT and 3 remained under treatment. Twenty-eight patients were included for efficacy analysis (median follow-up: 7.2 months) and 42 for safety analysis (median follow-up: 5.8 months). The cCR rate was 60.7% (17/28) and the median OS and PFS were not reached. Thirty-nine patients (92.9%) had AEs, 20 patients (47.6%) experienced grade ≥3 AEs, and 1 patient (2.4%) suffered grade 5 esophageal fistula. The most common grade ≥3 AEs were lymphopenia (45.2%), neutropenia (33.3%), and anemia (28.6%), respectively. Conclusions: The addition of toripalimab to definitive CRT for locally advanced ESCC demonstrated encouraging efficacy and acceptable toxicity. The exploratory endpoints including PD-L1 expression and genetic biomarkers analyses are ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04005170.

A formal support group for esophageal atresia and/or tracheoesophageal fistula in South Africa may improve the outcome of these children and their families

The psychosocial aspect of various congenital anomalies like esophageal atresia (EA) with/or without a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) being the cause of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in parents of these children, is often overlooked by medical professionals. Support groups may be useful to address a part of this problem and form an important aspect of emotional support for any rare or congenital disease. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the need for a formal support group for parents of patients born with EA and to emphasize the role of emotional support for these parents and children. A questionnaire was sent to members of an informal WhatsApp group which included participants with diverse demographics across private and public platforms, across South Africa. The questions focused on 3 main areas: demographic data, diagnosis and the surgery, and information about the participant’s emotional support. All the data were inserted in an excel datasheet and descriptive statistical analysis was used. Questions were sent to 14 members of an informal WhatsApp group. Eight were included in the study. All 8 participants were mothers of children born with an EA with a TEF. The questions about the need for emotional support focus on the time after the baby was born. The majority (87.5%) of the mothers felt that they could bond with their babies during pregnancy, but in contrast, 75% felt that they missed an opportunity to bond with their babies after birth, mainly because they were not allowed to hold their babies for up to 11 days after birth. Only 1 of the mothers were in contact with other families with children born with EA, and 6 of the remaining 7 agreed that this would have helped them during this emotionally challenging time. All 8 thought that sharing their stories with others could have helped them emotionally and all agreed that an EA/TEF support group was a good idea. The family, as another patient, ought to be treated and included in the overall treatment plan if we aim to improve the quality of life for both the patients and their families. Disease-specific support groups can play a major role in the emotional well-being of both the children born with EA and their families.

Esophageal fistula after definitive concurrent chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BackgroundThe literature regarding esophageal fistula after definitive concurrent chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains lacking. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of esophageal fistula among ESCC patients undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) via IMRT technique.MethodsA total of 129 consecutive ESCC patients receiving definitive CCRT with IMRT between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. The cumulative incidence of esophageal fistula and survival of patients were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between groups by the log-rank test. The risk factors of esophageal fistula were determined with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.ResultsMedian follow-up was 14.9 months (IQR, 7.0–28.8). Esophageal perforation was identified in 20 (15.5%) patients, resulting in esophago-pleural fistula in nine, esophago-tracheal fistula in seven, broncho-esophageal fistula in two, and aorto-esophageal fistula in two patients. The median interval from IMRT to the occurrence of esophageal fistula was 4.4 months (IQR, 3.3–10.1). Patients with esophageal fistula had an inferior median overall survival (10.0 vs. 17.2 months, p = 0.0096). T4 (HR, 3.776; 95% CI, 1.383–10.308; p = 0.010) and esophageal stenosis (HR, 2.601; 95% CI, 1.053–6.428; p = 0.038) at baseline were the independent risk factors for esophageal fistula. The cumulative incidence of esophageal fistula was higher in patients with T4 (p = 0.018) and pre-treatment esophageal stenosis (p = 0.045). There was a trend toward better survival after esophageal fistula among patients receiving repair or stenting for the fistula than those only undergoing conservative treatments (median survival, 5.9 vs. 0.9 months, p = 0.058).ConclusionsT4 and esophageal stenosis at baseline independently increased the risk of esophageal fistula in ESCC treated by definitive CCRT with IMRT. There existed a trend toward improved survival after the fistula among patients receiving repair or stenting for esophageal perforation.

Impact of preservation of the azygos vein during surgical repair of esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) is one of the common congenital anomalies occurring in newborns. Over the last eight decades, various technical modifications have been proposed in the surgical repair of EA-TEF. Preservation of azygos vein is one such modification that has gained considerable attention. However, a consensus statement regarding the superiority of its preservation over its division is lacking. We aim to compare the outcomes of surgery between the two groups of newborns, i.e., those undergoing repair with and without azygos vein preservation, in terms of its complications. The authors systematically searched the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus through December 2020. The incidence of anastomotic complications and chest infection was compared among the two groups of newborns, i.e., those undergoing surgical repair with (group A) and without azygos vein preservation (group B). Statistical analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model, and pooled risk ratio (RR) and heterogeneity (I2) were calculated. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Downs and Black scale. Six comparative studies, consisting of a total of 671 newborns, were included in the meta-analysis. As compared to group B, newborns belonging to group A showed a significantly lower incidence of pneumonitis in the postoperative period (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.17-0.57, p = 0.0001). However, no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic complications including anastomotic leak (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.48-1.12, p = 0.15) and stricture (RR 0.63; 95% CI 0.36-1.09, p = 0.10) was observed between the two groups. The average Downs and Black scale scores ranged from 20 to 24. The risk of bias was low (n = 1) and moderate (n = 5) in the included studies. Kappa statistics showed a value of 0.902 (p < 0.001), highlighting an almost perfect agreement among the two observers. The present meta-analysis revealed the superiority of surgical repair of EA-TEF performed with preservation of azygos vein in terms of the incidence of postoperative chest infection. However, no significant difference in the occurrence of anastomotic leak and stricture was observed between the two groups. The level of evidence of the published comparative studies is limited. Therefore, well designed, randomized controlled trial utilizing a standardized operative approach on a larger sample-size needs to be conducted for optimal comparison between the two approaches.

Revision of a Failed C5-7 Corpectomy Complicated by Esophageal Fistula Using a 3-Dimensional−Printed Zero-Profile Patient-Specific Implant: A Technical Case Report

Esophageal fistulae are rare, though serious, complications of anterior cervical surgery. Hardware-related issues are important etiologic factors. Patient-specific implants (PSIs) have increasingly been adapted to spinal surgery and offer a range of benefits. Zero-profile implants are a recent development primarily aimed at combating postoperative dysphagia. We report the first use of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed zero-profile PSI in managing implant failure with migration and a secondary esophageal fistula. A 68-year-old female had a prior C5-7 corpectomy with cage and plate fixation, as well as posterior C3-T1 lateral mass fixation, complicated by anterior plate displacement, resulting in pseudoarthrosis and an esophageal fistula. A 3D-printed zero-profile PSI was designed and implanted as part of a revision procedure to assist in recovery, prevent recurrence, and facilitate bony fusion. Optimal implant placement was achieved on the basis of preoperative virtual surgical planning. By 1 month postoperatively the patient had significantly improved, with evidence of esophageal fistula resolution and radiographic evidence of optimal implant placement. Zero-profile 3D-printed PSIs may combat common and serious complications of anterior cervical surgery including postoperative dysphagia and esophageal fistulae. Further research is required to validate their widespread use for either cervical corpectomy or diskectomy and interbody fusion.

Aotric esophageal fistula: etiopathogenesis and diagnostics (review of literature)

Aortic esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but extremely life-threatening condition requiring immediate surgical treatment. The mortality rate among such patients may exceed 60 %, including after surgical treatment. Etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of AEF are complex and various, but in most cases, they are associated with chronic aortic diseases. The second group of etiological factors of AEF includes trauma of esophagus wall by foreign bodies, malignant neoplasms of the esophagus or mediastinum. AEF may also occur as a result of surgical interventions on the aorta and esophagus. The difficulties of early diagnosis are primarily associated with non-specific clinical manifestations of AEF and the lack of unified protocol for the examination of patients with the first-time upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. The described reasons in some cases can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, which entails a loss of time. Among the instrumental diagnostic methods, the most informative is the combination of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography of the chest with intravenous contrast enhancement. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and allows to identify a number of direct and indirect signs of pathological communication between the aorta and the esophagus.

Tracheoesophageal fistula with complex injury to the existing anomaly - Youngest neonate to survive: A case report

Background: Complex injury to the esophagus, trachea, and tracheoesophageal fistula in a case of esophageal atresia is rarely reported that requires prompt identification and management. Case Presentation: A very-low-birth-weight preterm with a tracheoesophageal fistula on ventilatory support for respiratory distress syndrome was transferred to our hospital. The baby developed air-leak through the tracheoesophageal fistula into the stomach causing gross distension of the stomach and reduction in oxygen saturation. Repositioning and reintubation failed to reduce the abdominal distension and to improve the saturation. Subsequent intubation with large volume, low pressure cuffed tube, and replacement of Replogle tube resulted in pneumothorax and further deterioration requiring emergency thoracotomy. Complex tracheoesophageal injury to the esophagus, trachea, and fistulous tract was repaired. Conclusion: The baby survived the early repair of the tracheoesophageal fistula and the iatrogenic complex tracheoesophageal injury. Pre-operative tracheo-esophagoscopy with stenting of the fistula with Fogarty catheter helped to carry out a successful repair technically.

Esophageal anastomotic caliber index: assessment tool for measuring outcome after thoracoscopic and open repair of esophageal atresia with trachea-esophageal fistula

Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TREAT) is now an established procedure. The anastomosis performed thoracoscopically is always compared to the hand sewn anastomosis in open surgery. The present study analyses the outcome of TREAT versus open repair in terms of radiological index representing the esophageal calibre. Patients with esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) operated by open repair and TREAT were evaluated. An esophageal calibre anastomotic index (EACI) was formulated based on measurements performed on contrast esophagogram at 3 months or later. The diameter of the esophagus at the level of anastomosis was measured, along with ratios of radiologically measured values both above and below the anastomosis; based on which an index was calculated. A value closer to 1 was considered normal, whereas a ratio < 0.65 was taken as cut off for stricture. This index calculated from the open and TREAT groups were compared. Total of 15 patients were enrolled in each group. The mean diameter ratio was calculated by measuring the breadth of contrast enhanced esophagus at three levels as described. The net EACI in the open and TREAT group was 0.779 ± 0.141 and 0.788 ± 0.217, respectively. The mean follow-up duration of these patients was 1.75 years ± 0.4 years. Clinical correlation was also done across the two groups and related well to the corresponding index. EACI is a numerical way to assess the calibre of esophageal anastomosis and has been found to correlate clinically. In the present study, there was no significant difference between the EACI of the two groups, demonstrating that thoracoscopic anastomosis are comparable to those performed open.

Respiratory morbidity in children who had undergone primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheo esophageal fistula in a tertiary care centre in India

Background: Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory and related GI morbidity in children who had undergone repair of oesophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in the neonatal period.Methods: Patients operated during the period 2008–2015 were evaluated in 2017 by clinical evaluation, radiological imaging (chest X-ray, barium swallow study and high-resolution computed tomographic scan) and laryngoscopy examination.Results: Of the 50 neonates who underwent primary repair of TEF during the 8 year period, 39 were discharged successfully. Twenty-six of them at a Mean age of 64 months were included in the study. At the time of assessment, 65% of subjects registered body mass index (BMI) less than 10th centile. Abnormal respiratory system findings in 63% and digital clubbing in 27% were noted. Unilateral asymptomatic vocal cord was demonstrated in 7.7%. Radiological evaluation showed abnormal oesophageal motility/reflux in 54% and bronchiectasis in 19%. In addition, 62% had needed hospitalization for recurrent pneumonia in infancy. Environmental smoke exposure was reported in 38% and 73% had no regular follow up with a pediatrician.Conclusions: This comprehensive evaluation of respiratory morbidity in children who had been operated for TEF in the neonatal period, demonstrated a high prevalence of reported respiratory morbidity in the first year of life. Poor nutritional outcomes and abnormal respiratory system examination were observed in a significant proportion. One-fifth of these patients had already developed bronchiectasis by a mean age of 75.4 months. Asymptomatic unilateral vocal cord palsy was another important finding.

Feasibility and long-term safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in broncholithiasis patients

BackgroundTreatment of broncholithiasis is complex, especially in the case of a large or transbronchial broncholith. Holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy may be a useful treatment in broncholithiasis; however, as it is not yet common practice, the optimal parameters are unknown.MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 13 broncholithiasis patients who underwent Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy from May 2012 to October 2018.ResultsFor the 13 patients (2 males and 11 females), Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed 17 times, in total. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with rigid bronchoscopy. We initially set the Ho:YAG laser to a pulse frequency of 5 Hz and a pulse energy of 0.8 J, gradually increasing these as required. The pulse frequency range we employed was 5–15 Hz, and the pulse energy range was 0.8–1.6 J. All broncholiths were successfully extracted after lithotripsy, and all symptoms improved. Hemoptysis, bronchial esophageal fistula, and pneumonia were the most common complications; however, there were no long-term complications.ConclusionsHo:YAG laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe treatment for broncholithiasis, over a long-term follow up.