Diagnosis and treatment of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula in the adult / 中华消化外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in adult patients. Methods The clinical data of 6 adult patients with congenital TEF who had been admitted to Tangdu Hospital from January 1990 to November 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had the symp-toms of cough when drinking and/or eating fluid and expectoration. The fistulas of the 6 patients were excised, openings were closed with sutures, and the closures were covered with pedicled pleural flaps. Results All patients were diagnosed preoperatively according to the medical history and imaging examination. All the patients were with H-type TEF. The diameters of the fistulas ranged from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, and their lengths ranged from 0.2 cm to 1.5 cm. The outcomes and prognoses of the patients were excellent. All patients were followed up for 5 months to 10 years, and no recurrence occured. Conclusions Congenital TEF should be considered when patients are presented with recurrent and chronic cough and pulmonary suppuration. Congenital TEF can be diagnosed accor-ding to the medical history and imaging examination. Surgical procedure for congenital TEF is safe and effective.