Fístula traqueoesofágica en H en el período neonatal: dificultades en el diagnóstico y diferentes abordajes terapéuticos. Serie de casos / H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in neonatal period: Difficulties in diagnosis and different treatment approaches. A case series

La fístula traqueoesofágica congénita sin atresia esofágica asociada, conocida como tipo H, es una anomalía infrecuente. Se manifiesta con episodios de tos, ahogo y cianosis durante la alimentación y/o neumonía recurrente.Si bien los síntomas están usualmente presentes desde el nacimiento, el diagnóstico es difícil. La rareza de esta patología, los síntomas no específicos y las limitaciones en la demostración radiológica y endoscópica de la fístula contribuyen, a menudo, a la demora entre la presentación y la confirmación del diagnóstico.Se describen las manifestaciones clínicas, los métodos de evaluación y el tratamiento de 3 neonatos con esta patología, y se presentan recomendaciones para el diagnóstico a fin de evitar demoras innecesarias en el manejo de las fístulas en H.

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula not associated with esophageal atresia, known as H-type fistula, is an uncommon anomaly. It presents with cough, choking, and cyanosis during feeding and/or recurrent pneumonia. Although symptoms are usually present from birth, diagnosis is difficult. The rarity of this disease, non-specific symptoms, and the limitations of radiological and endoscopic confirmation of the fistula often result in a delay between presentation and diagnosis confirmation. Here we describe the clinical manifestations, assessment methods, and management of 3 newborn infants with H-type tracheoesophageal fistula, together with diagnosis recommendations to prevent unnecessary delays in the management of this condition.

A practical approach to the investigation and management of long gap oesophageal atresia.

Oesophageal atresia in which there is a long gap between the ends of the oesophagus remains one of the most difficult problems confronting the pediatric surgeon. While it is generally accepted that the best results are obtained if oesophageal continuity is established, this may be difficult to achieve. Various manoeuvres have been advocated to mobilise and lengthen the oesophagus, and if these measures fail, cervical oesophagostomy and oesophageal replacement may become necessary. This paper outlines the situations in which long gap oesophageal atresia might be expected, how infants should be investigated to determine the most appropriate type and time of procedure, and provides a basis for surgical decision-making during the operative procedure itself. These guidelines should enable oesophageal continuity to be obtained in the vast majority of infants with long gap oesophageal atresia.