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The multi-disciplinary management of complex congenital and acquired tracheo-oesophageal fistulae
H S Thakkar1, R Hewitt2,3, K Cross1
1Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
Insights
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach effectively manages complex tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF) in children. This collaborative strategy aids decision-making for rare congenital and acquired TOF cases, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Complex tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF) are rare pediatric conditions, presenting as congenital or acquired defects.
- Management of these complex cases requires specialized expertise and coordinated care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach in managing complex pediatric tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF) over a five-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective data collection of pediatric patients with recurrent or acquired TOF.
- Diagnostic investigations included CT scans, bronchoscopy, bronchogram, microlaryngobronchoscopy, and oesophagoscopy.
- All cases were discussed in emergent MDT meetings for treatment planning.
Main Results:
- 14 patients were included, with 50% congenital and 50% acquired TOF etiologies.
- Acquired TOF cases included button battery ingestions and iatrogenic injuries post-oesophageal atresia repair.
- Surgical repair was performed in most cases; 64% experienced complications, including anastomotic leak, vocal cord paresis, recurrence, and mortality.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is crucial for managing complex pediatric tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF).
- Shared expertise within an MDT facilitates optimal decision-making for these rare and challenging cases.
Aim Of The Study:
Complex tracheo-oesophageal fistulae (TOF) are rare congenital or acquired conditions in children. We discuss here a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach adopted over the past 5 years.
Methods:
We retrospectively collected data on all patients with recurrent or acquired TOF managed at a single institution. All cases were investigated with neck and thorax CT scan. Other investigations included flexible bronchoscopy and bronchogram (B&B), microlaryngobronchoscopy (MLB) and oesophagoscopy. All cases were subsequently discussed in an MDT meeting on an emergent basis if necessary.
Main Results:
14 patients were referred during this study period of which half had a congenital aetiology and the other half were acquired. The latter included button battery ingestions (5/7) and iatrogenic injuries during oesophageal atresia (OA) repair. Surgical repair was performed on cardiac bypass in 3/7 cases of recurrent congenital fistulae and all cases of acquired fistulae. Post-operatively, 9/14 (64%) patients suffered complications including anastomotic leak (1), bilateral vocal cord paresis (1), further recurrence (1), and mortality (1). Ten patients continue to receive surgical input encompassing tracheal/oesophageal stents and dilatations.
Conclusions:
MDT approach to complex cases is becoming increasingly common across all specialties and is important in making decisions in these difficult cases. The benefits include shared experience of rare cases and full access to multidisciplinary expertise.
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