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A treatment program for babies with esophageal atresia in Belize
Shannon F Rosati1, Rami Maarouf1, Claudio Oiticica2
1Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, Virginia.
Insights
International collaboration provided life-saving pediatric surgery for infants with esophageal atresia in low-income countries. This highlights the impact of global partnerships in improving outcomes for children with congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Global Health
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Children in low- and middle-income countries face significant barriers to accessing pediatric surgical care.
- Limited resources, including facilities, transportation, and trained personnel, contribute to high mortality rates for congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a 5-year collaborative effort to provide surgical care for infants with esophageal atresia.
- To address the challenges of treating congenital anomalies in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A 5-year collaboration between the World Pediatric Project, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Belizean organizations.
- Transfer of infants with esophageal atresia to the United States for operative correction.
Main Results:
- Six infants with esophageal atresia were transferred for surgical correction.
- Successful operative intervention was performed at the collaborating institution.
Conclusions:
- Treating infants with congenital anomalies is challenging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- International collaboration and nonprofit partnerships are crucial for delivering life-saving care for these conditions.
Background:
Children born with congenital anomalies in low- and middle-income countries often face a multitude of challenges. Access to pediatric surgical services is limited because of a lack of medical facilities, an adequate transportation system, and a lack of trained surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses, all of which leads to a high mortality rate.
Methods:
This is a report of a 5-y collaborative effort between the World Pediatric Project, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, and multiple organizations within the country of Belize to provide care for infants born with esophageal atresia, with or without associated tracheoesophageal fistula.
Results:
A total of six infants were transferred to our institution in Richmond, VA for operative correction of their esophageal atresia.
Conclusions:
Caring for infants with congenital anomalies can be challenging, especially children from low- and middle-income countries. Through collaboration between countries and nonprofit organizations, life-saving international care can be provided to children for these conditions.
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