Clinical characteristics and literature review of five cases with recurrence of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula / 中国小儿急救医学

ABSTRACT

Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics of 5 cases with recurrence of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) and to further understand the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Methods We totally diagnosed 5 cases of rTEF from September 2015 to July 2016 in the department of respiration of Shenzhen Children′s Hospital.The clinical materials,characteristics,risk factors of recurrence and diagnostic methods were analyzed.Results Two cases were diagnosed of rTEF at 8 years after the first repair,one case was at one year after the initial repair and two cases were at 1 to 2 months after their operations.Three cases manifested mainly in bucking after feeding,recurrent pneumonia and growth retardation.One case was admitted for vomiting and abdominal distension.One case was asymptomatic.Esophageal anastomotic leaks occurred in three cases and esophageal trictures occurred in four cases after their repairs.Three cases accompanied with gastroesophageal reflux and five cases with tracheomalacia.Four cases were performed esophagography,but only two cases were suspected of recurrence.All of five cases were performed bronchoscopy.One case was diagnosed of rTEF directly.Two cases were found suspected fistulas.And another two cases were only found surgical scars.But these four cases were confirmed by Methylene blue test observed by bronchoscopy.Conclusion Although the leading clinical manifestations of rTEF are respiratory symptoms and feeding difficulties,sometimes rTEF is asymptomatic.Because rTEF is usually complicated with the other diseases with similar symptoms,it is possible to miss the diagnosis.Esophageal anastomotic leaks and trictures are the risk factors of recurrence.Bronchoscopy is the first choice for the diagnosis of rTEF,and Methylene blue test is golden standard.Thoracotomy is recommended for the treatment of rTEF.