title: Trans-cervical, trans-tracheal approach to proximal tracheo-oesophageal fistula: a novel technique.
abstract: Esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) occur in 1/2400-4500 births. Whilst the diagnosis of esophageal atresia is readily made shortly after birth, patients with an isolated H type TEF can present with varying degrees of symptomatology which can pose a diagnostic challenge. A combination of contrast esophagogram and endoscopic evaluastion is the most commonly employed localization strategy. Despite accurate pre-operative localization, intra-operative identification of the TEF can prove substantially more challenging. The authors of this report describe a novel approach in the management of a proximal TEF, which allows direct visualization and cannulation via a trans-cervical, trans-tracheal approach.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ireland. Electronic address: c.oosth@gmail.com.
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Oosthuizen
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ireland.
authors: R R
authors: RR
authors: Ramli
authors: Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: O M
authors: OM
authors: Aworanti
authors: Department of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Awadalla
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ireland.
authors: T P
authors: TP
authors: O'Dwyer
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D004724:Endoscopy; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*