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Congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula: Experience from a large Chinese center
Yong Zhao1,2, Zonghan Li1, Shihui Tan1
1Department of Neonatal Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China.
Insights
Congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) diagnosis and treatment were reviewed. Precise localization and nerve monitoring reduced complications, though risk factors require further study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) is a rare anomaly.
- Understanding its clinical characteristics is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, therapeutic management, and outcomes of H-TEF.
- To identify factors influencing complications in H-TEF patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 51 H-TEF patients (2007-2025).
- Stratification by major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III).
- Univariate analyses for risk factor identification.
Main Results:
- Median age at diagnosis was 1 month.
- Bronchoscopy had 100% detection rate; upper gastrointestinal contrast study (UGI) had 96%.
- Precise fistula localization prevented anastomotic leakage and recurrence; 41.2% overall complications (29.4% major).
Conclusions:
- Modifying UGI positioning improves diagnostic yield.
- Precise localization and nerve monitoring may minimize postoperative complications.
- Larger studies are needed to identify significant risk factors for complications.
Background:
To present the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approach, therapeutic management, and outcomes of congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) based on the experience of the National Center for Children's Health in China.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patients with H-TEF from 2007 to 2025 was performed. Patients were stratified by the occurrence of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) for comparative analysis. Univariate analyses were performed to identify associated risk factors.
Results:
The study cohort comprised 51 patients. The median age at diagnosis was 1 month. Bronchoscopy demonstrated the highest detection rate (100%), followed by upper gastrointestinal contrast study (UGI) (96%). None of the patients who underwent precise fistula localization (with placement of a polyester traction suture) developed anastomotic leakage or recurrent fistula. The overall complication rate was 41.2%, with a major complication rate of 29.4%. No statistically significant risk factors for major complications were identified within this cohort.
Conclusions:
Modifying patient positioning during UGI can enhance its diagnostic ability. Precise localization of the fistula tract and the use of nerve monitoring may help minimize postoperative complications. While no risk factors achieved statistical significance, the study was not powered to exclude potential clinically relevant effects.
Impact:
An upper gastrointestinal contrast study can reach a diagnostic yield of 96% under proper positioning during the procedure. Intraoperative precision localization of the fistula demonstrated favorable outcomes and reduced surgical complexity. No recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in any patient who underwent intraoperative nerve monitoring (overall incidence 13.73%). Complications occurred in 41.2% (29.4% major). No statistically significant risk factors were detected, although clinical effects cannot be entirely ruled out due to the limited cohort size. Despite representing the largest reported cohort in China to date, future prospective, multi-center studies with extended follow-up are warranted.
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