causes of morbidity and mortality in Esophageal Atresia Peculiar to our prevailing conditions

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the causes of morbidity and mortality in cases of esophageal atresia [EA] with distal tracheoesophageal fistula [TEF].Descriptive study conducted from Dec. 1999 to Dec. 2000.Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad.30 patients with Esophageal Atresia.The data of these patients was collected and analyzed.Out of these 30 patients,seven were not fit for surgery and died before surgery. Three patients had cardiac arrest during surgery; two of them were successfully revived but the third one died. Ten patients were discharged home in satisfactory condition. Thr overall mortality was 67% with 33% survival; however the mortality of operated cases was 57% with 43% survival.Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula is a major challenge for the pediatric surgeons. In our set up several factors contribute to the high morbidity and mortality. To name a few are adolescent pregnancies, multiparity, illiteracy and limited facilities of operating upon small babies