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Published on: February 5, 2021
Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: two case reports
Naomi A Mwamanenge1, Haika K Mariki2, Lucy L Mpayo2
1Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), P. O box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. naomimwams@gmail.com.
Insights
Infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) face poor outcomes in lower-middle-income countries due to delayed care. Early intervention and stable preoperative condition significantly improve survival rates for EA/TEF patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Care
- Congenital Anomalies
Background:
- Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) affects 1 in 3000-5000 live births globally.
- Outcomes for EA/TEF infants in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) are often poor.
- Common challenges include aspiration, sepsis, delayed referral, and postoperative complications.
Observation:
- Two cases of EA/TEF in African neonates are presented: a 2-day-old male and a 5-day-old female.
- The 5-day-old infant, presenting with sepsis, required preoperative stabilization and had a poor outcome.
- The 2-day-old infant, who was preoperatively stable, experienced a good postoperative outcome.
Findings:
- Delayed referral and sepsis significantly impact EA/TEF infant outcomes in LMICs.
- Postoperative complications like anastomosis leaks, pneumonia, and pneumothorax contribute to poor healing.
- Preoperative stability and timely management are crucial for improved outcomes in EA/TEF cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for timely referral and management of EA/TEF in LMICs.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing sepsis and ensuring preoperative stability for better surgical results.
- Suggests that improved healthcare infrastructure and early intervention can enhance survival rates for infants with EA/TEF.
Background:
The incidence of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is 1 out of 3000-5000 live births. Its incidence in lower middle income countries is not known. The infants usually present with excessive secretions or choking while feeding and are at risk for aspiration. The outcome of these infants in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral, sepsis at presentation requiring preoperative stabilization, postoperative complications such as anastomosis leaks, pneumonia, and pneumothorax.
Case Presentation:
We present two African babies who were term infants at age 2 days (male) and 5 days (female) with diagnosis of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. The 5-day-old infant required preoperative stabilization due to sepsis and delayed surgery with a poor postoperative outcome. The 2-day-old infant was preoperatively stable and had a good postoperative outcome. The challenges faced in management of these two cases have been highlighted.
Conclusion:
Outcome of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral and poor postoperative healing attributed to sepsis and recurrent pneumothorax. Timely referral, preoperative condition of the infant, and timely management has shown to be a contributory factor for an improved outcome.
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