Zafar Nazir1, Muhammad Arif Mateen Khan2, Javaria Qamar2. 1. Section of Pediatric Surgery, Department of surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800 (AKUH.K), Pakistan. Electronic address: zafar.nazir@aku.edu. 2. Section of Pediatric Surgery, Department of surgery, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800 (AKUH.K), Pakistan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Recurrent and acquired fistulae are a serious complication of congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair and foreign body ingestion (FBI) (e.g., button battery). We report our experience with a minimally invasive approach to recurrent and acquired TEF. METHODS: Medical records of patients referred for management of recurrent and acquired TEF between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients underwent endoscopic procedures (de-epithelization of fistulous tract and fibrin tissue adhesive-TisseelR) under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Nine children (7 male, 2 female) with age range 3months to 3years (mean 1.5year) were managed. TEF closed spontaneously in four patients, whereas in 5 patients the TEF closed after combined endoscopic procedure. Three patients required repeat endoscopic procedures. Follow-up ranged between 7months to 10years (mean 4.2years). CONCLUSIONS: Active observation and repeat combined endoscopic procedures are safe alternatives to open surgical repair of acquired and recurrent TEF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV study.
OBJECTIVE: Recurrent and acquired fistulae are a serious complication of congenital esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair and foreign body ingestion (FBI) (e.g., button battery). We report our experience with a minimally invasive approach to recurrent and acquired TEF. METHODS: Medical records of patients referred for management of recurrent and acquired TEF between 2003 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients underwent endoscopic procedures (de-epithelization of fistulous tract and fibrin tissue adhesive-TisseelR) under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Nine children (7 male, 2 female) with age range 3months to 3years (mean 1.5year) were managed. TEF closed spontaneously in four patients, whereas in 5 patients the TEF closed after combined endoscopic procedure. Three patients required repeat endoscopic procedures. Follow-up ranged between 7months to 10years (mean 4.2years). CONCLUSIONS: Active observation and repeat combined endoscopic procedures are safe alternatives to open surgical repair of acquired and recurrent TEF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV study.