Review of surgical and anesthetic management for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, unilateral pulmonary agenesis and dextrocardia

Neonatal peri-procedural extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of tracheo-esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia and left pulmonary agenesis

Congenital tracheo-esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia (TEF/EA) with concomitant pulmonary agenesis is exceedingly rare and has a high mortality rate. While there are several reported cases of successful repair, all but one patient had right-sided pulmonary agenesis. In the case of left-sided pulmonary agenesis, the patient had incomplete agenesis and underwent repair through a left thoracotomy. We present the first successful repair of TEF/EA with complete left-sided pulmonary agenesis. This patient also underwent elective pre-operative veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and subsequent repair of the TEF/EA. We discuss the management, anesthesia risks, and role of periprocedural ECMO in pediatric patients who are high anesthetic risk.

Successful thoracoscopic treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia of communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation group IB with dextrocardia: a case report of VACTERL association

Background

A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) group IB is very rare congenital malformation. Group IB is associated with tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia (TEF-EA) and a portion of one lung arisen from the esophagus (Gerle et al. in N Engl J Med. 278:1413–1419, 1968). The coexistence of TEF-EA and dextrocardia is also a rare and challenging setting for repair of TEF-EA. Therefore, the thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA require the technical devise because of the small operative space. We herein report a rare case of CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration of lung and a successful performing of thoracoscopic surgery for EA with dextrocardia in VACTERL association.

Case presentation

A 2.2-kg term male neonate was born with an anal atresia, coarctation of the aorta, TEF-EA, renal anomalies, radial hemimelia, limb abnormalities (VACTERL association) and hypoplasia of the right lung with dextrocardia. The patient developed respiratory distress after admission. A two-stage operation for the TEF-EA was planned because of multiple anomalies and cardiac condition. In the neonatal period, esophageal banding at the gastroesophageal junction and gastrostomy were performed to establish enteral nutrition. After gaining body weight and achieving a stable cardiac condition, thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA was performed. The thoracoscopic findings revealed a small working space due to dextrocardia. To obtain a sufficient working space and to perform secure esophageal anastomosis, an additional 3-mm assistant port was inserted. To close the upper and lower esophagus, anchoring sutures of the esophagus were placed and were pulled to suspend the anastomotic site. Esophageal anastomosis was successfully performed. An esophagogram after TEF-EA surgery showed the connection between the lower esophagus and right lower lung. The definitive diagnosis was CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration. The thoracoscopic surgery was performed again for establishing oral intake. After transection of the bronchoesophageal fistula, the patient could perform oral feeding without pneumonia or respiratory distress.

Conclusions

CBPFM type IB with intralobar sequestration is a rare condition. CBPFM type IB should be considered for a patients with respiratory symptom after radical operation for TEF-EA. In the present case, suspending the anastomotic site was effective and useful in thoracoscopic surgery for a TEF-EA patient with dextrocardia.

Anesthesia Practice: Review of Perioperative Management of H-Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare congenital developmental anomaly, affecting 1 in 2500-3000 live births. The H-type TEF, consisting of a fistula between the trachea and a patent esophagus, is one of the rare anatomic subtypes, accounting for 4% of all TEFs. The presentation and perioperative management of neonates with H-type TEFs and all other TEFs are very similar to each other. Patients present with congenital heart disease and other defects and are prone to recurrent aspirations. A barium esophagogram or computed tomography of the chest is a common means to the diagnosis, and surgical repair is carried out through either a cervical approach or a right thoracotomy. During operation, anesthetic management is focused on preventing positive pressure ventilation through the fistula in an attempt to minimize gastric distension. For patients with H-type TEFs, because of the patent esophagus, symptoms are often less severe and nonspecific, resulting in subtle yet important differences in their diagnostic workup and management. This review will cover the finer details in the diagnosis and perioperative anesthetic management of TEF patients and clarify how H-type TEF distinguishes itself from the other anatomic subtypes.