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Published on: September 11, 2021
Abnormal esophageal anatomy associated with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia: report of a case
I Karnak1, M E Senocak, F C Tanyel
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair can lead to esophageal issues like severe gastroesophageal reflux. This case shows feeding intolerance in infants with CDH is often self-limiting, not requiring surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair can result in esophageal dysfunction.
- Anatomic and functional abnormalities may lead to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) post-CDH repair.
Observation:
- A newborn male with CDH presented with an unusual air-filled paravertebral structure.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed an ectatic esophagus with impaired peristalsis and severe GER.
Findings:
- The infant required jejunostomy feeding due to feeding intolerance.
- Medical management successfully resolved GER and feeding issues, avoiding antireflux surgery.
Implications:
- The rare association of dysphagia, esophageal ectasia, and GER in CDH is highlighted.
- Feeding intolerance in this context is typically self-limited and may not necessitate surgical intervention.
Abstract:
Gastroesophageal reflux associated with anatomic and functional abnormalities of the esophagus may be encountered following the repair of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We report herein the case of a newborn male infant with CDH found to have an air-filled paravertebral structure. Upper gastrointestinal series confirmed the presence of an ectatic esophagus with poor peristalsis and severe gastroesophageal reflux. The patient required jejunostomy after a safe period of total parenteral nutrition. He tolerated oral feeding following medical treatment without the need for antireflux surgery. The association of dysphagia, esophageal ectasia, and gastroesophageal reflux is rarely seen with CDH, and feeding intolerance is a self-limited disorder that does not usually necessitate antireflux surgery.
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