Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: ten years of experience in an institute.
BACKGROUND
Esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), or both is a complicated problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and postoperative complications in patients with EA/TEF who were admitted to our hospital.


METHODS
In total, 15 patients were enrolled from 1994 to 2003, including 8 males and 7 females. Patient demographics, associated anomalies, and outcomes were analyzed.


RESULTS
The most common variant was EA with a distal TEF (type C), which occurred in 12 patients (80%). The latter had associated congenital anomalies, and cardiac anomalies were the most frequent, occurring in 8 patients (53.3%). Of the 6 cases who had life-threatening anomalies, 4 (66.7%) died, and of the 9 cases who had no life-threatening-anomalies, 2 (22.2%) died. Tracheomalacia and/or stenosis were diagnosed in 8 patients (66.7%) postoperatively. Though 3 of the 4 cases who suffered from dying spell received intratracheal stent implantation, 2 cases still died.


CONCLUSIONS
The survival rate of the patients with EA/TEF is influenced mainly by associated life-threatening anomalies. TMS combined with a history of dying spell may be the major fatal complication.
Yang
Chia-Feng
CF
Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Soong
Wen-Jue
WJ
Jeng
Mei-Jy
MJ
Chen
Shu-Jen
SJ
Lee
Yu-Sheng
YS
Tsao
Pei-Chen
PC
Hwang
Betau
B
Wei
Chou-Fu
CF
Chin
Tai-Wai
TW
Liu
Chinsu
C
D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D015996:Survival Rate; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*