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Management of tracheal agenesis
B De José María1, R Drudis, E Monclús
1Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Complete tracheal agenesis is a rare congenital defect. This case highlights airway management challenges in neonates with this condition, especially without associated fistulas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Neonatal Airway Management
Background:
- Complete tracheal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Often associated with other congenital defects (cardiac, digestive, genitourinary).
- Life compatibility is rare, usually requiring associated fistulas.
Abstract:
Complete tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital anomaly that is only compatible with life in some cases with associated tracheo-oesophageal or broncho-oesophageal fistula. In most cases, concomitant congenital anomalies of the heart, digestive tract or genitourinary tract are present. It should be suspected in any neonate with a history of hydramnios, absent crying, respiratory distress and difficulty in intubation. The possibility for surgical correction or palliation rests on the extent of atresia present. We present a case of complete tracheal agenesis without tracheo nor broncho-oesophageal fistula (type II by Floyd's classification) - the diagnosis of which was prenatally suspected - and discuss the important features of the airway management of this condition.