Project description:Acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas can lead to large defects with fatal complications. Surgical management is challenging but necessary to prevent respiratory infections and poor weight gain. Therefore, a reliable and pliable flap like the pedicled supraclavicular artery island flap with its wide arc of rotation and robust vascularization is needed for reconstruction. We highlight the surgical technique and postoperative measures in managing a tracheoesophageal fistula due to button battery ingestion in a 9-month-old boy with the supraclavicular artery island flap. In summary, the supraclavicular artery island flap is a safe and successful tool for closure of large acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas in pediatric patients.
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:Tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) have traditionally been managed surgically, but the endoscopic approach is widely performed as a less invasive alternative. Different closure techniques have been proposed with inconsistent results. An over-the-scope clip (OTSC) appears to be a reasonable option, but long-term results have not been well defined. We report the long-term outcomes of a complex case of successful closure of a benign refractory TEF using an OTSC after failed surgical management and esophageal stent placement.
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:Multiple reports have demonstrated the efficacy of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). However the results of the same have varied from centre to centre. Many still regard external DCR as the gold standard. To describe an endoscopic DCR technique which anatomically simulates an external DCR and assess its results. Prospective, nonrandomized and noncomparative interventional case series. Clinical charts of patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction based on symptomatic, clinical and radiological basis were included in the study. All surgeries were done endonasally using standard operative technique. The modification in the standard technique included creating a wide exposure of the lacrimal sac, incising the sac and the suturing the medial wall of the lacrimal sac with the lateral nasal wall. The same was achieved by using either vascular clips or 5.0 vicryl sutures. Twenty (11 females and 9 males) were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 56.86 years old (range 27-85 years old). The main presenting symptom was epiphora and 1 patient with mucocele. Successful outcome was measured in terms of relief of sympto anatomical patency assessed by sac syringing and nasal endoscopy showing a wide patent lumen. A primary success rate of 95% and ultimate rate of 100% was achieved in the cases with a nasolacrimal duct (NLD) block while an overall success rate of 82.6% was noted when the cases with NLD block and common canalicular block were considered together. Endoscopic DCR can now easily replace external DCR as a standard. It is not only minimally invasive, but has minimal complications and using this technique, we have been able to achieve very high success rates.
Project description:Background and aimsThere is growing interest in closure of larger mucosal defects, given the increasing use of endoscopic resection for early GI neoplasia and the advent of submucosal endoscopy, including peroral endoscopic myotomy. Existing closure methods include through-the-scope clips, over-the-scope clips, and over-the-scope suturing. Although over-the-scope clips and over-the-scope suturing allow closure of large defects, both require endoscope removal for device application and may have difficulty in treating lesions in the proximal colon or the small intestine. Hence, a significant gap exists for a through-the-scope device capable of closing larger defects. The novel X-Tack system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Tex, USA) offers through-the-scope suturing (TTSS), which eliminates the need to withdraw the endoscope from the patient before applying therapy.MethodsWe demonstrate the possible indications for endoscopic mucosal adhesion with TTSS through a video case series. We present 5 cases to illustrate the use of TTSS in the closure of a duodenal EMR defect, a cecal EMR defect, mucostomy after esophageal and gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, and, finally, for primary closure of a gastrogastric fistula.ResultsAll defects were successfully closed with 1 to 2 TTSS systems. There were no postprocedure adverse events, including bleeding or perforation, at a median of 30 (range 14-30) days of follow-up.ConclusionsTTSS is a valuable addition to mucosal closure devices, which allows closure through a gastroscope or a colonoscope, without requiring endoscope removal for device application. Likely applications include larger or more distant defects and those located within tight spaces. Pending further clinical evaluation, important areas for research include assessment of the learning curve, comparative trials with other closure devices, and cost-effectiveness analysis.