Project description:Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) are relatively frequently occurring foregut malformations with a largely unknown etiology. EA/TEF is thought to have a strong genetic component and several genes have been proven to be involved in syndromic EA/TEF. However, it is not clear which biological processes or gene networks are disturbed. To gain more insight in the origin of the TEF, we aimed to examine and describe TEF composition using a combination of whole-genome transcription profiling and (immuno-) histochemical stainings. We hypothesized that such characterization of human TEFs provides insight in the molecular and mechanistic etiology of EA/TEF. Data analysis was carried out using BRB-array tools version 4.6.0 (October 2018) in combination with R version 3.5.1 (July 2018). For each probe set, the geometric mean of the hybridization intensities of all samples was calculated. The level of expression of each probe set was determined relative to this geometric mean and logarithmically transformed (on a base 2 scale) to ascribe equal weight to gene-expression levels with similar relative distances to the geometric mean.
Project description:BackgroundTo analyze the possible causes, treatment and outcomes of postoperative pneumothorax in patients with Gross type C esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).MethodsMedical records of patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who were diagnosed and treated in Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2007 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether postoperative pneumothorax occurred. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for pneumothorax.ResultsA total of 188 patients were included, including 85 (45 %) in the pneumothorax group and 103 (55 %) in the non-pneumothorax group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative anastomotic leakage [P < 0.001, OR 3.516 (1.859, 6.648)] and mechanical ventilation [P = 0.012, OR 2.399 (1.210, 4.758)] were independent risk factors for pneumothorax after EA/TEF repair. Further analysis of main parameters of mechanical ventilation after surgery showed that none of them were clearly related to the occurrence of pneumothorax. Among the 85 patients with pneumothorax, 33 gave up after surgery and 52 received further treatment [conservative observation (n = 20), pleural puncture (n = 11), pleural closed drainage (n = 9), both pleural puncture and closed drainage (n = 12)]. All of the 52 patients were cured of pneumothorax at discharge.ConclusionsAnastomotic leakage and postoperative mechanical ventilation were risk factors for pneumothorax after repair of Gross type C EA/TEF, but the main parameters of mechanical ventilation had no clear correlation with pneumothorax. After symptomatic treatment, the prognosis of pneumothorax was good.
Project description:PURPOSE:Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a bellwether for a country's ability to care for sick newborns. We aim to review the existing literature from low- and middle-income countries in regard to management of those newborns and the possible approaches to improve their outcomes. METHODS:A review of the existing English literature was conducted with the aim of assessing challenges faced by providers in LMIC in terms of diagnostic, preoperative, operative and post-operative care for TEF patients. We also review the limited literature for performing thoracoscopic repair in the developing world context and suggest methods for introduction of advanced thoracoscopic procedures including techniques for providing anesthesia to these challenging babies. RESULTS:While outcomes related to technique from LMIC are comparable to the developed world, rates of secondary complications like sepsis and pneumonia are higher. In many areas, repairs are conducted in a staged fashion with minimal utilization of thoracoscopic approach. The paucity of resources creates strain on intraoperative and post-operative management. CONCLUSION:Clearly, not all developing world contexts are ready to attempt thoracoscopic repair but we outline suggestions for assessing the existing capabilities and a stepwise gradual implementation of advanced thoracoscopy when appropriate.
Project description:Background: To determine the possible risk factors of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) after Gross type C esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair. Methods: The medical records of 343 pediatric patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who underwent surgical repair were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether they had rTEF. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for rTEF. Results: After the diagnosis of EA/TEF, 343 patients (221 boys) underwent primary repairs after birth. According to the follow-up results (257 patients survived, 42 died, and 43 were lost to follow-up), 259 patients (257 survived and two died after rTEF repair) were included in the analysis. rTEF occurred in 33 patients (33/259, 12.74%), with a median onset time to recurrence of 3.8 (2.2, 8.2) months. Multivariate analysis showed that closing the original TEF with ligation and hospital stay ≥ 28.5 days were significant risk factors of rTEF with OR of 4.083 (1.481, 11.261) and 3.228 (1.431, 7.282). Conclusions: Surgical closure technique of original TEF and the length of initial stay could influence the occurrence of rTEF after Gross type C EA/TEF repair.
Project description:Tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is defined as a pathological connection between the trachea and the oesophagus, leading to a spillover of oral and gastric secretions into the respiratory tract causing aspiration. The cause of TOF may be congenital or acquired. In this case report, a 48 years old female with acquired TOF, has been reported. The patient was on ventilator support for COVID-associated pneumonia and its complication with endotracheal tube for 3 weeks and then tracheostomy was done. Post recovery after weaning from the ventilator, the patient was diagnosed with TOF by bronchoscopy and confirmed by CT and MRI. Surgical closure was performed: the oesophageal defect was sutured in 2 layers and Tracheal wall was isolated and a pedicled strap muscle flap sutured into the defect between the trachea and esophagus. The etiology of TOF may be due to traumatic intubation, cuff pressure, or inflammation. A better knowledge about the cause, site, and size of the TOF will help in prompt surgical procedure and recovery of the patient. This single staged surgical closure can be safely performed in the majority of patients with acquired TOF for optimal outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-022-03382-w.
Project description:Esophageal stricture is a well-described complication following tracheoesophageal fistula repair. Herein, we report two patients who had persistent esophageal strictures after several months of repeat balloon dilatations. Each patient was treated with a single application of topical mitomycin C in addition to esophageal dilatation, which resulted in complete resolution of the stricture.
Project description:Acquired benign tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is a rare medical condition that usually results from trauma, foreign bodies or granulomatous infections. This is an unusual presentation of a male patient with a history of laryngectomy who has had over a period of several years inappropriately and vigorously used valve cleaning brushes to clean tracheal secretions, which has led to the formation of a TOF. Due to the patient's obsessive habit, we could not manage him using conventional surgical methods. Instead, we opted for the placement of a salivary bypass tube, which yielded good results and recovery. To the best of our knowledge, no other case of similar aetiology has been published. We would like to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection and education prior to performing a tracheoesophageal puncture to avoid developing life-threatening complications as demonstrated in our case report.
Project description:Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) are major congenital malformations affecting 1:3500 live births. Current research efforts are focused on understanding the etiology of these defects. We describe well-known animal models, human syndromes, and associations involving EA/TEF, indicating its etiologically heterogeneous nature. Recent advances in genotyping technology and in knowledge of human genetic variation will improve clinical counseling on etiologic factors. This review provides a clinical summary of environmental and genetic factors involved in EA/TEF.