Oesophageal atresia and tracheooesophageal fistula: a 12 years experience in a developing nation

To document our 12 years experience in the management of oesophageal atresia and tracheooesophageal fistula.

The study was carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu Nigeria between January 1997 and December 2008. The paediatric ward and theatre records of patients with oesophageal atresia and trachea oesophageal fistula were reviewed. The data extracted include: age at presentation, age at referral, reasons for delay referral (> 24 hrs from birth). Associated anomalies, Time interval from diagnosis to intervention, Operative procedure, and outcome.

Ten patients were studied, eight males and two females, ratio 4:1. They were all referred from outside the study centre. The average age at presentation was 5.3 days with a range of 2-12 days. The mean age at referral was 3.9 days. Two patients died before surgical intervention. The remaining eight that had surgery done, only one was discharged alive to surgical out patient but was lost to follow up.

Delay in arriving at a diagnosis, late referral, associated congenital anomalies and comorbidities contributed to the poor out come. High index of suspicion, early diagnosis and referral, improved facilities and experience of the attending team will make for a favourable out come.