Risk factors for anastomotic complications after one-stage anastomosis for oesophageal atresia

Jin-Xi Huang1,2,3,4, Song-Ming Hong1,2,3,4, Qiang Chen1,2,3,4

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.

Insights

Low birth weight and long gap defects in esophageal atresia increase the risk of anastomotic fistula. Endoscopic surgery and poor nutritional status are linked to refractory anastomotic stenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Malformations
  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

  • Esophageal atresia is a severe congenital digestive malformation with significant postoperative complications.
  • Anastomotic fistula is a critical complication, often leading to mortality.
  • Identifying risk factors for anastomotic complications is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for anastomotic fistula after one-stage anastomosis for esophageal atresia.
  • To determine risk factors for anastomotic stenosis following esophageal atresia repair.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 107 children with esophageal atresia.
  • Single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed.
  • Risk factors for anastomotic fistula and stenosis were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Low birth weight and long gap defects were independent risk factors for anastomotic fistula.
  • Anastomotic fistula occurred in 26.2% of patients; long-term stenosis in 52.3%.
  • Refractory anastomotic stenosis was associated with anastomotic fistula, endoscopic surgery, and low prognostic nutritional index (<54).

Conclusions:

  • Low birth weight and long gap defects are key predictors of postoperative anastomotic fistula.
  • Endoscopic surgery and a preoperative prognostic nutritional index <54 increase the long-term risk of anastomotic stenosis.
  • Clinical vigilance for refractory anastomotic stenosis is warranted in high-risk patients.
Abstract

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