Repair Of Atresia Research Articles

A novel piglet model of esophageal stricture following variable segmental esophageal resection and re-anastomosis.

Esophageal strictures following esophageal atresia repair are a source of significant morbidity. To test new therapeutic approaches, we designed a piglet model of esophageal stricture by resecting variable lengths of esophagus with subsequent re-anastomosis. This study describes the model and validates its physiologic impact by blinded analysis of the weight gains of the piglets. A total of 24 two-week old Pietrain piglets had esophageal resections performed, ranging from 0 to 5 cm, with the goal of inducing postoperative esophageal strictures. Postoperative body-weights were evaluated by repeated analysis of variance followed by pairwise group-comparisons based on estimated marginal means. In addition, body weight was modeled by linear-mixed model regression. Different resection lengths were compared. The esophagi were evaluated postmortem for stricture. Of 24 operated piglets, 23 reached the endpoint, and 90% developed an esophageal stricture that was radiologically visible in a contrast study, as well as appreciable macroscopically in the necropsy. We found differences in pre- and postoperative body weights for all piglets (F (1, 18) = 298.54, p < 0.001), but no differences between resection lengths (F (4, 18) = 0.36, p = 0.837). Our model of postoperative esophageal stricture offers the opportunity to investigate potential treatments for strictures associated with esophageal atresia, since it reliably induces strictures and results in minimal loss of animals. The similar body weight gain in all groups indicates that stricture is mainly the result of esophageal resection and re-anastomosis, regardless of the length of the resected segment.

Evaluating the Impact of Elective Endotracheal Tube Replacement on Postoperative Outcomes in Esophageal Atresia: A STROBE-guided Study

ABSTRACT Background: Elective ventilation and paralysis have been shown to decrease the anastomosis-related complications following primary repair of esophageal atresia (EA). Repeated endotracheal tube (ETT) block and replacement can increase these complications. We evaluated the results of our strategy of electively changing the ETT just before shifting the patient to the postoperative ward for elective ventilation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using the case records of patients from July 2015 to February 2024 including all the patients of EA with tracheoesophageal fistula who underwent primary repair with end-to-end esophageal anastomosis. The patients were divided into two groups Group A: ETT was changed and Group B: ETT was not changed immediately before shifting. The groups were compared for anastomotic leak and ETT tube block in the first 48 h. Results: Ninety-one patients were included in the study, 36 in Group A and 55 in Group B. Elective replacement of ETT decreased the tube block rates in the first 48 h following surgery (P = 0.032). Tension in the anastomosis was associated with a higher leak rate. The leak was present in 58.3% and 3.6% in cases with and without tension in the anastomosis (P = 0.001). Overall, the anastomotic leak was similar in both groups. In the subgroup of patients with anastomosis under tension, the rate of anastomotic leak was higher in patients with ETT block (P = 0.028). Conclusion: Elective replacement of EET decreases the tube block rates and anastomotic leak rates in cases with anastomosis under tension.

Medical Costs of Patients Undergoing Esophageal Atresia Repair are Mainly Influenced by Associated Malformations.

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare disease requiring surgical repair, usually within the first days of life. Patients with EA require intensive postoperative care and often have comorbidities. There is a lack of data on the costs incurred by patients with EA during the first year of life. Anonymized claims data were provided by the Techniker Krankenkasse (∼10.8 million clients). Data were extracted for patients who had an inpatient diagnosis of EA (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]: Q39.0 or Q39.1) and a reconstruction of the esophageal passage in case of atresia (Operationen-und Prozedurenschlüssel [German version of ICPM, International Classification of Procedures in Medicine; OPS] 5-428.0 to 5-428.7, 5-316.1 or 5-431.0) during their first hospital stay. All patients were in their first year of life at initial hospitalization (2016-2020) and were followed up for 1 year. Costs, length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation and differentiated OPS services were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the determinants of hospital costs. A total of 119 patients with EA were included (55.5% male). The mean cost of the 1-year observation period was €89,736 ± 97,419 (range €12,755-640,154). The increasing costs of the initial hospitalization led to a disproportionate increase in the costs of the 1-year observation period. The presence of an associated malformation combined with surgical complications was associated with almost five-fold higher costs than in patients without an associated malformation and an uncomplicated course (€193,103 ± 157,507 vs. €39,846 ± 33,473). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 23.2 ± 43.1 days and the mean length of hospital stay was 80.3 ± 77.2 days. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the costs of EA patients in the first year of life. The presence of an associated malformation combined with surgical complications was associated with almost five-fold higher costs than in patients without an associated malformation and an uncomplicated course.

Decortication with uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for empyema due to postoperative esophageal leakage: a report of two pediatric cases

BackgroundVideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered useful for the treatment of parapneumonic empyema in children. However, thoracoscopic management of empyema due to esophageal leakage as an operative complication has not been well described in the literature.Case presentationWe successfully decorticated severe empyema using uniport VATS in 2 children (a 2-year-old boy who suffered esophageal perforation after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, and a 7-month-old girl who had anastomotic leakage after thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia). In these patients, we noticed that pleural effusion rapidly progressed to empyema and caused respiratory insufficiency due to wide-range coverage by fibrotic pleural rind that was successfully decorticated under video-assisted vision from a mini-thoracotomy, followed by spontaneous healing of the leakage.ConclusionsWe did not attempt to closely approach or try to repair the esophageal leakage. We believe that this is an important tip for these situations.

Successful Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Interrupted Inferior Vena Cava: A Rare Case Report

【Abstract】Esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a congenital anomaly that can present complex surgical challenges, especially when accompanied by rare vascular conditions like an interrupted inferior vena cava (IVC). The division of the azygos vein is a common part of TEF repair, but in the presence of an interrupted IVC, this can lead to life-threatening complications. We report the case of a newborn diagnosed with EA, TEF, and interrupted IVC, successfully treated through thoracotomy. This case underscores the importance of prenatal and postnatal imaging to diagnose vascular anomalies prior to TEF repair, ensuring the preservation of the azygos vein to prevent fatal outcomes. Raising awareness of this rare association is crucial to optimizing surgical planning and outcomes.

Oesophageal Dilation Using Combined Fluoroscopy Guidance and Neonatal Scope: Overcoming Narrow Lumen Challenges in Paediatric Cases- Two Case Reports

This report highlights the management of two complex oesophageal strictures using an innovative combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique. The first case involves a 12-year-old boy with epidermolysis bullosa, where conventional endoscopic methods were inadequate. The second case details a premature infant with an anastomotic stricture post-oesophageal atresia repair. Both patients underwent successful dilation with a neonatal endoscope and fluoroscopic guidance, overcoming significant technical challenges. This approach demonstrates a promising alternative for handling severe and refractory oesophageal strictures.

Combination of the Endoscopic Septonasal Flap Technique and Silicone Stents for Repair of Congenital Choanal Atresia in Neonates and Infants: A Prospective Study

Background: Choanal atresia and stenosis are the most common craniofacial abnormalities of the nose and often require more than one corrective surgery or can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction. Objectives: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of the endoscopic septonasal flap technique combined with silicone stents for the repair of congenital choanal atresia and to determine independent predictors of surgical success. Methods: This study was designed as a review of prospectively collected data. The study included 40 patients diagnosed with choanal atresia due to congenital nasal obstruction at our hospital's otolaryngology clinic. The demographic characteristics and hospital information of the cases were recorded. Patients with congenital choanal atresia were operated on using the endoscopic septonasal flap technique combined with silicone stents. The surgical results were evaluated. Results: Out of the 40 patients, 23 (57.5%) were female and 17 (42.5%) were male, with a mean age of 90 days, ranging from 2 days to 1650 days. The atretic plate was bilateral in 23 patients (57.5%) and unilateral in 17 (42.5%). The types of atresia among the cases were 14 (35%) bony, 17 (42.5%) membranous, and 9 (22.5%) mixed atresia. Postoperative restenosis developed in 7 (17.5%) of the cases. Revision was needed in 10% (n = 4) of the operated bilateral choanal atresia cases and 7.5% (n = 3) of the unilateral choanal atresia cases. In cases diagnosed with bilateral choanal atresia, oxygen need, malnutrition, follow-up time in the intensive care unit, and follow-up time in the ward were significantly longer (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The Septonasal flap technique combined with silicone stents may be effective in preventing potential complications and restenosis after surgery.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic balloon dilation for refractory esophageal strictures after esophageal atresia repair

BackgroundManaging refractory esophageal strictures (RES) presents formidable challenges. Although endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is the first step for esophageal stricture, the clinical outcomes of EBD for RES after esophageal atresia (EA) repair are not established. MethodsAll EA patients with esophageal balloon strictures (EBS) from October 2016 to October 2022 treated by EBD in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the risk factors for poor outcomes of EBD for RES. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the risk factors for pathological weight in RES patients. Results87 patients with RES were included in our study. After the first session of EBDs, 40.2 % experienced a recurrence of esophageal strictures. The median number (IQR) of the first session of EBD was 13.0 (8.0, 16.0), and the median number (IQR) of total dilations of achieving long-term clinical success was 14.0 (10.0, 19.0) with 81.6 % achieving long-term clinical success with less than 20 EBDs. In follow-up, all patients achieved a total oral diet. On multivariable analysis, the presence of GERD (OR 4.17, 95%Cl 1.29–13.51, p = 0.017), LGEA (long-gap esophageal atresia) (OR 5.19, 95 % Cl 1.15–23.52, p = 0.033), eccentric stricture shape (OR 3.34, 95%Cl 1.06–10.53, p = 0.040), and longer stricture length (OR 10.22, 95%Cl 1.14–92.01, p = 0.038) were statistically significant associated with increased endoscopic dilations. The presence of LGEA (OR 3.25, 95%Cl 1.03–10.20, p = 0.044) was significantly associated with recurrence after short-term clinical success. Additionally, Older age at first dilation after LEAP, stricture level at 1/3 upper (ref = 1/3 middle), and LGEA were identified as risk factors for developing pathological weight. ConclusionEndoscopic balloon dilation is an effective method for treating RES after EA repair. GERD, LGEA, eccentric stricture shape, and longer stricture length are the risk factors for increased dilation times. Older age at first dilation after LEAP, stricture level at 1/3 upper, and LGEA were identified as risk factors for developing pathological weight.

Worth the Wait? The Impact of Timing of Repair of Esophageal Atresia With Tracheoesophageal Fistula on Outcomes

IntroductionInfants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) are at increased risk for respiratory compromise and gastric perforation until fistula ligation. We sought to describe current practice regarding the timing of EA/TEF repair and hypothesized that age at repair is a predictor of adverse outcomes. MethodsThe Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was used to identify patients with EA/TEF who underwent fistula ligation and esophago-esophagostomy at US children's hospitals from July 2016–June 2021. Patients with a repair >10 days of age, a long-gap atresia, or H-type fistula were excluded. Comorbidities including prematurity and operative congenital heart disease were noted. Outcomes including anastomotic leak, gastric perforation, and post-operative respiratory failure were assessed for association with age and day of the week of operation. ResultsAmong 863 patients that were evaluated, the plurality of operations was on DOL 2 (36%) and 83% were on a weekday (random rate = 71%). Later operations had shorter LOS (p = 0.04) and more recurrent nerve injuries (p = 0.01). Weekend repairs were associated with equivalent outcomes. Gastric perforations occurred in 18 (2.0%) patients; 11 (61%) of these occurred after DOL 2. ConclusionsWe found no significant differences in outcomes other than more recurrent nerve injury and decreased LOS with EA/TEF repair at older ages. Although repair beyond DOL 2 was safe from a respiratory standpoint, most gastric perforations occurred after this point. In the absence of contraindications or significantly reduced weekend capabilities, we recommend repair of EA/TEF by DOL 2. Level of EvidenceIII.

A Meta Analysis of Endoscopic Surgical Management of Choanal Atresia with and without Stent

Abstract Background Congenital choanal atresia is a rare abnormality, affecting approximately 1 in 7000–8000 newborns, with a female predominance. In congenital choanal atresia, the widened vomer fuses with the atretic plate, resulting in an hourglass configuration of the nasopharynx and the choanal region. Materials and Methods This meta analysis included 17 studies all were published between 2016 and 2021. Two different techniques, endoscopic management with and without stents, this study demonstrated success with no stent approach and lower rate of re stenosis when compared to stent used approach, however there are some indications and benefits of using stents. Results For our knowledge this is the second systematic review and metaanalysis to report the pooled success of endoscopic repair of choanal atresia with and without the use of nasal stents. Analysis of 5 studies that included 142 patients who were not stented demonstrated that the weighted pooled proportion of successful surgery was higher and significantly different when compared with three studies that evaluated 57 patients who were stented 86% (79%, 92%) vs 61% (40%, 81%). From an analysis of nine comparative studies including 405 patients Overall odds ratio (95% CI) = 3.56 (2.10, 6.05) with unimportant heterogeneity across studies (I-squared = 37%, Cochrane Q p = 0.12) favoring no stenting over stenting. Conclusion Success rates for management without stents is higher than using stents. The use of nasal stents may be associated with more frequent and more severe complications. Perioperative adjuncts such as nasal stenting should be considered in the context of the individual patient and surgeon preference. If the surgeon decides to stent, a duration of 1 week or shorter may be associated with better surgical outcomes; however, the evidence is limited.

Costs and outcomes associated with the administration of Intravenous Acetaminophen in neonates after esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula repair

BackgroundOver the last decade, the intravenous (IV) formulation of acetaminophen (APAP) has gained popularity as a safe and effective first-line analgesic in the neonatal intensive care unit and it is especially useful in peri-operative settings where oral agents are contraindicated. The primary objective was to examine the outcomes and costs associated with the use of IV APAP in combination with opioids versus opioids alone as a pain management strategy after neonatal esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair. MethodsData from the Pediatric Health Information System was used to examine 1137 hospitalizations for EA/TEF repair from October 2015 to September 2018. Neonates administered opioids only, or IV APAP in combination with opioids as pain management, were included. ResultsNeonates receiving IV APAP experienced a longer median LOS, but a significantly lower mortality rate, a decreased mean daily cost, and reduced opioid use compared to neonates given only opioids. The two groups had no significant differences in pharmacy and total costs. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the use of IV APAP alongside opioids in EA/TEF repair is associated with reduced mortality and opioid use, as well as longer LOS.

Association of Operative Approach With Postoperative Outcomes in Neonates Undergoing Surgical Repair of Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

IntroductionMinimally invasive surgery (MIS) is gaining traction as a first-line approach to repair congenital anomalies. This study aims to evaluate outcomes for neonates undergoing open versus MIS repairs for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). MethodsIn this retrospective study, neonates undergoing EA/TEF repair from 2013 to 2020 were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Proportions of operative approach (open vs. MIS) over time were analyzed. A propensity score-matched analysis using preoperative characteristics was performed and outcomes were compared including composite morbidity and reintervention rates (overall, major [thoracoscopy, thoracotomy], and minor [chest/feeding tube placement, endoscopy]) between operative approaches. Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate. ResultsWe identified 1738 neonates who underwent EA/TEF repair. MIS utilization increased over time. Pre-match, neonates undergoing open repair were more likely to be premature, lower weight, ventilator dependent, and have cardiac risk factors with higher severity. Post-match, the groups were similar and included 340 neonates per group. MIS repair was associated with longer median operative time (209 vs. 174 min, p < 0.001) and increased overall post-operative intervention rates (7.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.01). There were no differences in composite morbidity (24.4% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.86) outside of reintervention. ConclusionMIS approach for neonates with EA/TEF appears to be associated with a higher rate of reinterventions. Further studies evaluating MIS approaches for the repair of EA/TEF are needed to better define short- and long-term outcomes. Type of StudyRetrospective comparative study. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Determining the Risk Factors for Anastomotic Stricture Development after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Results from the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry.

Anastomotic stricture (AS) is the second most common complication after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. We aimed to evaluate the data in the Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry to determine the risk factors for AS development after EA repair in a large national cohort of patients. The data between 2015 and 2021 were evaluated. Patients were enrolled into two groups according to the occurrence of AS. Patients with AS (AS group) and without AS (non-AS group) were compared according to demographic and operative features, postoperative intubation status, and postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leaks, fistula recanalization, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to define the risk factors for the development of AS after EA repair. Among the 713 cases, 144 patients (20.19%) were enrolled into the AS group and 569 (79.81%) in the non-AS group. The multivariable logistic regression showed that, being a term baby (odds ratio [OR]: 1.706; p = 0.006), having a birth weight over 2,500 g (OR: 1.72; p = 0.006), presence of GER (OR: 5.267; p < 0.001), or having a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF, OR: 4.363; p = 0.006) were the risk factors for the development of AS. The results of our national registry demonstrate that 20% of EA patients developed AS within their first year of life. In patients with early primary anastomosis, birth weight greater than 2,500 g and presence of GER were risk factors for developing AS. When patients with delayed anastomosis were included, in addition to the previous risk factors, being a term baby, and having recurrent TEF also became risk factors. III.

Thoracoscopic primary repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: Our early experience

Background: Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has been practiced more frequently in the past two decades. This study focuses on assessing our early experience with implementing this minimally invasive technique in neonates. Methods: Neonates with EA/TEF who were admitted to the NICU at Ain Shams University hospitals during the period from 2021 to 2022 were enrolled in the study. Thoracoscopic primary repair was performed for neonates with a body weight exceeding 2 kg. Neonates with associated major cardiac, pulmonary, and neurological anomalies and long gap atresia were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 38 neonates presented with EA/TEF during the study period. Out of these neonates, 12 cases underwent thoracoscopic primary repair. The thoracoscopic approach was used to complete all necessary repairs, and no intraoperative complications occurred. The mean operating time was 125 minutes, ranging from 105 to 150 minutes. No evidence of leakage was found in any case, as determined by both clinical and radiological contrast swallow examinations. The mean ventilation time was 7.2 days, and the mean hospital stay was 21 days. There were four deaths attributed to complications related to barotrauma and sepsis. Conclusion: Thoracoscopic repair of EA can be performed safely, which yields favorable functional and cosmetic outcomes. However, it remains a challenging procedure that requires a long learning curve.

Multidisciplinary approach to a complex duodenal obstruction: From duodenal atresia to superior mesenteric artery syndrome

We present a 21yo female with a nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Her history was remarkable for duodenal atresia repair as an infant. Following extensive evaluation, she was found to have progressive dilation of the proximal duodenum and loss of motility without obstruction (megaduodenum) which eventually lead to substantial weight loss resulting in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. Given her symptomatic presentation, she was offered surgery and underwent a lateral duodenal tapering procedure and division of the ligament of Treitz and duodenal derotation (Strong procedure). Through the collaborative efforts of gastroenterology, pediatric surgery, radiology, and acute care surgery, she now has excellent functional status, has gained weight, and is asymptomatic. This case serves as an important example that congenital anomalies are a lifelong consideration when caring for patients

Efficacy of oral viscous budesonide to reduce dilation treatment after esophageal atresia repair: a retrospective study

IntroductionAnastomotic stricture is a common complication following esophageal atresia (EA) repair, substantially affecting the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Multiple dilations are often required to maintain the appropriate diameter of the esophagus, leading to ongoing challenges. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of oral viscous budesonide (OVB) in prolonging the time between symptom recurrence and subsequent dilation.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective single-center study for pediatric patients (0–18 years) who had undergone recurrent esophageal dilations (≥3) following EA repair and initiated treatment with OVB (1 mg/day &amp;lt;10 years, otherwise 2 mg/day). Efficacy of treatment was determined by assessing a dysphagia symptom score (DSS) ≤1 for at least 3 months. Recurrence time to dysphagia and dilation were analyzed according to Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsOf 29 patients screened, 19 were enrolled: 19/19 were responsive to OVB and 13/19 (68%) didn’t required further dilations. The median time between dilations was significantly prolonged compared to the pre-treatment period [30 months vs 2 months; p&amp;lt;0.01] as well as the time to dysphagia relapse [18 months vs 1 month; p&amp;lt;0.01].ConclusionTopical budesonide has proven to be an effective treatment for recurrent esophageal stricture in repaired EA. Further investigation is required to assess the long-term sustained response of symptoms to topical steroids.

Canal cholesteatoma: an alarming sequela of congenital aural atresia

Congenital aural atresia is an external ear malformation that may have diverse clinical presentations ranging from conductive hearing loss to the formation of canal cholesteatoma. Canal cholesteatoma, once developed can aggressively erode the bony boundaries of the middle ear cleft and lead to dangerous complications. Here we present the clinical outlook and surgical management of a child with congenital aural atresia with extensive canal cholesteatoma and complications. A twelve-year-old girl with congenital aural atresia and microtia of the right ear presented with right sided infra-auricular abscess with overlying skin ulceration. She also had right sided grade 4 facial paralysis. Pure tone audiometry revealed severe conductive hearing loss on the right side. In contrast, a high-resolution computed tomography scan showed extensive soft tissue on the right side completely destroying the posterior bony canal wall, with erosion of the sigmoid plate and the mastoid tip. We performed a right sided modified radical mastoidectomy and canal atresia repair along with the removal of the necrotic and infected tissues. The little girl recovered uneventfully with improved facial nerve function and without any sign of cholesteatoma recidivism. In congenital aural atresia, early surgical intervention is the key to prevent the formation of canal cholesteatoma and subsequent complications.

Transitioning from thoracotomy to thoracoscopy for esophageal atresia in an LMIC setting

IntroductionAlthough the benefits of thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair (TEAR) are well documented, there has been resistance to the uptake of this approach in low- and middle-income countries. This study reviews a single unit's experience introducing TEAR in a South African state sector tertiary hospital. MethodWe describe how we set up MIS for esophageal atresia (EA) at our centre. All neonates with EA managed at our institution from January 2016 to January 2022 were included. Excluded patients included those who were not operated on or if data was missing. We compared the different approaches for managing type C EA in our setting. We analyzed the data using the Mann-Whitney U test. ResultsSixty-five patients were managed with EA over the study duration. There were 54 patients who had type C EA. Thirty-nine patients underwent thoracotomy to repair the defect, and eighteen underwent TEAR, of which sixteen were completed thoracoscopically. There was a statistically significant difference in weight (p-value 0.035), gestational age (p-value 0.002), and age at operation (p-value 0.004) between the groups treated by TEAR and OEAR (open esophageal atresia repair). There was a small median difference in the operative time between TEAR and OEAR of 20 min. The mortality in the OEAR group was higher (20.5 %) compared to the TEAR group (5.5 %), with a p-value of 0.094. ConclusionA dedicated quality improvement program focused on introducing MIS for EA can produce results comparable to the open procedure in an LMIC setting.

Endoscopic Choanal Atresia Repair with Posterior Septectomy and Widening Toward Pterygoid Plate to Create a Wide Single Neochoana, Case Series

Objective: This study focuses on surgical technique, assessment of the outcomes and the recurrence rate of the disease. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was done on 18 patients with congenital choanal atresia at Azal specialized hospital and Al Kuwait University hospital, Sana’a, Yemen between 2014 and 2022. All patients underwent endoscopic repair with posterior septectomy, removal of atretic plate, lateral widening toward the pterygoid plate and creation of wide single neochoana with nasal stenting. Results: Of 18 cases, 2 cases were excluded because of short period of follow up. Of the 16 remaining cases, 13 cases (81.25%) showed good results during the period of follow up (6 months to 9 years) from the initial surgery. Restenosis occurred in 3 (18.75%) bilateral choanal atresia cases which underwent revision surgery with good results. Conclusion: Endoscopic creation of wide single neochoana with stenting followed by close follow up and family education give good success rate.

Thoracic Musculoskeletal Deformities Following Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Atresia - Thoracoscopic Versus Open Approach: A Retrospective Two Centers Cohort Study

IntroductionThoracic musculoskeletal deformities are significant complications following open correction of esophageal atresia (EA) during long-term follow-up. We aimed to compare the frequency and severity of thoracic musculoskeletal deformities after open and thoracoscopic repair of EA. We hypothesized that fewer deformities would occur following the less invasive thoracoscopic approach. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed patients treated at two pediatric surgery departments in Poland between 2005 and 2021. The patient groups differed in surgical approach, operative techniques, indications for multi-staged surgery, and postoperative complications. The study encompassed all types of EA/TEF. The first group comprised 68 patients who underwent thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair (Wroclaw), while the second group involved 44 patients who underwent open repair (Warsaw). Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed, with results considered significant at p < 0.05. ResultsThe median age at examination was 6 years in the thoracoscopy group and 5.5 years in the thoracotomy group. In the thoracoscopy group, 53 out of 68 patients (77.9%) and in the thoracotomy group – 35 out of 44 patients (79.5%) were treated in one stage. The incidence of thoracic musculoskeletal deformities was significantly lower in the thoracoscopy group (1.5%) compared to the thoracotomy group (34.1%, p < 0.001). Scoliosis occurred significantly more often after thoracotomy (13.6% vs 1.5%, p = 0.016). There was no rib fusion (0% vs 37.1%, p < 0.001) and no scoliosis of =>20° (0% vs 6.8%, p = 0.058) after thoracoscopy. The coincidence of rib fusion and scoliosis was significant (9.1%, p = 0.022) for the open approach. In the thoracotomy group, multi-staged surgery and more frequent reoperations due to major complications were significantly associated with an increased occurrence of deformities. None of the patients after thoracoscopic multi-stage or complicated EA/TEF repair developed scoliosis. ConclusionsThe frequency and severity of thoracic musculoskeletal deformities were significantly lower after the thoracoscopic approach. Thoracoscopy may be a more advantageous and preferred surgical approach for the EA/TEF treatment, although further randomized, controlled studies are necessary. Post-thoracotomy scoliosis may progress to a severity requiring surgery.