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JPGN Reports May 2024Patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) are at increased risk of conditions including gastroesophageal reflux, peptic esophagitis,...
Patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) are at increased risk of conditions including gastroesophageal reflux, peptic esophagitis, gastric metaplasia, anastomotic strictures, eosinophilic esophagitis, and dysphagia. Patients with TEF-EA may need serial endoscopy in their lifetime given the known short- and long-term GI complications. There has been increased interest in pediatric unsedated transnasal endoscopy (TNE) as an endoscopic alternative as it is lower cost, has shorter recovery time, and eliminates potential risks associated with anesthesia. We report on the use of TNE with EA-TEF in four patients: One patient had gastroesophageal reflux disease, one patient had eosinophilic esophagitis and TNE was used for surveillance in two patients. Use of TNE allowed for close endoscopic monitoring and changes in medication management. The third and fourth patients underwent TNE as part of routine EA-TEF screening which is recommended by societal guidelines (Krishnan et al, J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016;63(5):550-570). Unsedated TNE is an alternative endoscopic approach in the management of patients with EA-TEF.
PubMed: 38756140
DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.12063 -
Microbiology Spectrum May 2024Malignant central airway stenosis is treated with airway stent placement, but post-placement microbial characteristics remain unclear. We studied microbial features in...
UNLABELLED
Malignant central airway stenosis is treated with airway stent placement, but post-placement microbial characteristics remain unclear. We studied microbial features in 60 patients post-stent placement, focusing on changes during granulation tissue proliferation. Samples were collected before stent ( = 29), after stent on day 3 ( = 20), and after granulation tissue formation (AS-GTF, = 43). Metagenomic sequencing showed significant respiratory tract microbiota changes with granulation tissue. The microbiota composition, dominated by , , and , was similar among the groups. At the species level, the AS-GTF group exhibited significant differences, with and enriched. Analysis based on tracheoesophageal fistula presence identified and as the main differential species, enriched in the fistula subgroup. Viral and fungal detection showed and as the main species, respectively. These findings highlight microbiota changes after stent placement, potentially associated with granulation tissue proliferation, informing stent placement therapy and anti-infective treatment optimization.
IMPORTANCE
Malignant central airway stenosis is a life-threatening condition that can be effectively treated with airway stent placement. However, despite its clinical importance, the microbial characteristics of the respiratory tract following stent insertion remain poorly understood. This study addresses this gap by investigating the microbial features in patients with malignant central airway stenosis after stent placement, with a specific focus on microbial changes during granulation tissue proliferation. The findings reveal significant alterations in the diversity and structure of the respiratory tract microbiota following the placement of malignant central airway stents. Notably, certain bacterial species, including and , exhibit distinct patterns in the after-stent granulation tissue formation group. Additionally, the presence of tracheoesophageal fistula further influences the microbial composition. These insights provide valuable references for optimizing stent placement therapy and enhancing clinical anti-infective strategies.
PubMed: 38747599
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03472-23 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: Cervical esophageal reconstruction is vital to improve the quality of life in cancer surgery patients. Microsurgery is crucial in providing vascularized tissue for...
: Cervical esophageal reconstruction is vital to improve the quality of life in cancer surgery patients. Microsurgery is crucial in providing vascularized tissue for defect repair, particularly in secondary cases with a higher risk of failure due to larger defects and damage from previous surgery and radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of a series of patients who underwent secondary repair of esophageal defects and provide practical information for the management and treatment of such cases based on the authors' experience and the literature review. : We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of the Plastic Surgery Clinic at the University of Trieste to identify cases of patients who underwent secondary esophageal microsurgical reconstructions following oncological surgery. Patient demographics, the etiology of esophageal defects, previous surgical history, and preoperative assessments were collected from medical records. Surgical techniques utilized for reconstruction, such as pedicled flaps or free tissue transfers, were documented along with intraoperative information. Postoperative outcomes, including complications, graft viability, and functional outcomes, were evaluated during follow-up. : We treated 13 cases of secondary esophageal reconstructions between 2011 and 2022. Most commonly, Antero-Lateral Thigh (ALT) flaps were used in 10 cases, while 2 cases employed a radial forearm flap (RFF), and 1 case employed a chimeric parascapular flap. No flap failures occurred during a median 50-month follow-up. One ALT flap patient experienced postop stricture but maintained swallowing ability. A single tracheoesophageal fistula occurred in an RFF patient with a history of radiotherapy and complete lymph node dissection. : Cervical esophageal reconstruction significantly impacts patients' quality of life by restoring oral feeding and phonation. When local flaps fall short, microsurgical reconstruction with intestinal flaps is valuable but is burdened by limitations. For challenging secondary cases, ALT or RFF flaps emerge as safer options due to their robust pedicles, yielding low complication rates and positive functional outcomes.
PubMed: 38731255
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092726 -
International Journal of Pediatric... Apr 2024Recurrent and primary tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are a challenging surgical pathology to treat, as standard open surgical approaches are associated with high...
OBJECTIVES
Recurrent and primary tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are a challenging surgical pathology to treat, as standard open surgical approaches are associated with high morbidity and mortality. As such, endoscopic modalities have gained interest as an alluring alternative, yet variable success rates have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to provide a contemporary update of the literature and describe our institutional experience with the bronchoscopic obliteration of recurrent and primary TEFs.
METHODS
Retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients having undergone endoscopic TEF repair at two pediatric academic centers in Montreal, Canada and Lille, France between January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2020.
RESULTS
28 patients with TEFs (20 recurrent, 8 primary) underwent a total of 48 endoscopic procedures. TEF repair was performed under endoscopic guidance using various combinations of techniques, including fistula de-epithelialization (endoscopic brush, thulium laser, trichloroacetic acid-soaked pledgets or electrocautery), tissue adhesives, submucosal augmentation, esophageal clip and stenting. Successful closure was achieved in 16 patients (57 %), while 12 (43 %) required eventual open or thoracoscopic repair. The mean number of endoscopic procedures was 1.7. There were no major treatment-related complications such as pneumothorax, mediastinitis or death (mean follow-up 50.8 months).
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic repair of recurrent or primary TEFs is a valuable component of our therapeutic armamentarium and may contribute to decreased surgical morbidity in this complex patient population. Families should be counselled that endoscopic results may be more modest than with open or thoracoscopic approaches, and multiple procedures may be required.
PubMed: 38728974
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111960 -
International Journal of Critical... 2024This study was done to compare single stage percutaneous dilation tracheostomy (PDT) and open surgical tracheostomy (ST) in critically ill patients.
BACKGROUND
This study was done to compare single stage percutaneous dilation tracheostomy (PDT) and open surgical tracheostomy (ST) in critically ill patients.
METHODS
A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 critically ill patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patients were randomized into ST or PDT group with 30 in each group. The duration of procedure and associated perioperative/postoperative complications were noted and compared.
RESULTS
A total of 60 critically ill patients were included with 30 each in both groups. Compared to ST, PDT had significantly lesser mean duration of procedure (5 ± 1.64 vs. 21.33 ± 4.77 min, < 0.0001) and comparable incidence of complications (3.33% vs. 20%, = 0.103), which included 5-10 ml of bleeding (0% vs. 13.33%), cardiac arrest (0% vs. 3.33%), atrial fibrillation (3.33% vs. 0%), and tracheoesophageal fistula (0% vs. 3.33%).
CONCLUSION
PDT performed in the ICU is a quick, safe, and reliable procedure with comparable complications to ST.
PubMed: 38715748
DOI: 10.4103/ijciis.ijciis_53_23 -
Cureus Apr 2024An H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of an abnormal passageway between the esophagus and the trachea without the presence of...
An H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of an abnormal passageway between the esophagus and the trachea without the presence of esophageal atresia. This condition is usually detected early in infancy; however, some patients may receive a delayed diagnosis. Symptoms experienced by people affected with an H-type tracheoesophageal fistula vary greatly and may consist of bouts of coughing when swallowing liquids and recurring lower respiratory infections. The most commonly used initial diagnostic tests can produce falsely negative results. The treatment of choice for the majority of H-type tracheoesophageal fistulas is an open surgical procedure; however, the thoracoscopic approach has proven effective in cases where the fistula is located below the thoracic outlet. In this case report, we describe a patient whose diagnosis of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula was delayed by 13 years and who was successfully treated using thoracoscopic surgery.
PubMed: 38707062
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57647 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2024The magnetic compression technique has been used to establish an animal model of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), but the commonly shaped magnets present limitations of...
BACKGROUND
The magnetic compression technique has been used to establish an animal model of tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), but the commonly shaped magnets present limitations of poor homogeneity of TEF and poor model control. We designed a T-shaped magnet system to overcome these problems and verified its effectiveness animal experiments.
AIM
To investigate the effectiveness of a T-shaped magnet system for establishing a TEF model in beagle dogs.
METHODS
Twelve beagles were randomly assigned to groups in which magnets of the T-shaped scheme (study group, = 6) or normal magnets (control group, = 6) were implanted into the trachea and esophagus separately under gastroscopy. Operation time, operation success rate, and accidental injury were recorded. After operation, the presence and timing of cough and the time of magnet shedding were observed. Dogs in the control group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy to confirm establishment of TEFs after coughing, and gross specimens of TEFs were obtained. Dogs in the study group were euthanized after X-ray and gastroscopy 2 wk after surgery, and gross specimens were obtained. Fistula size was measured in all animals, and then harvested fistula specimens were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome staining.
RESULTS
The operation success rate was 100% for both groups. Operation time did not differ between the study group (5.25 min ± 1.29 min) and the control group (4.75 min ± 1.70 min; = 0.331). No bleeding, perforation, or unplanned magnet attraction occurred in any animal during the operation. In the early postoperative period, all dogs ate freely and were generally in good condition. Dogs in the control group had severe cough after drinking water at 6-9 d after surgery. X-ray indicated that the magnets had entered the stomach, and gastroscopy showed TEF formation. Gross specimens of TEFs from the control group showed the formation of fistulas with a diameter of 4.94 mm ± 1.29 mm (range, 3.52-6.56 mm). HE and Masson trichrome staining showed scar tissue formation and hierarchical structural disorder at the fistulas. Dogs in the study group did not exhibit obvious coughing after surgery. X-ray examination 2 wk after surgery indicated fixed magnet positioning, and gastroscopy showed no change in magnet positioning. The magnets were removed using a snare under endoscopy, and TEF was observed. Gross specimens showed well-formed fistulas with a diameter of 6.11 mm ± 0.16 mm (range, 5.92-6.36 mm), which exceeded that in the control group ( < 0.001). Scar formation was observed on the internal surface of fistulas by HE and Masson trichrome staining, and the structure was more regular than that in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Use of the modified T-shaped magnet scheme is safe and feasible for establishing TEF and can achieve a more stable and uniform fistula size compared with ordinary magnets. Most importantly, this model offers better controllability, which improves the flexibility of follow-up studies.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Disease Models, Animal; Magnets; Tracheoesophageal Fistula; Trachea; Esophagus; Gastroscopy; Operative Time; Male; Magnetics; Equipment Design; Humans
PubMed: 38690021
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i16.2272 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Congenital h-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) without esophageal atresia (EA) represents about 4% of congenital esophageal anomalies. The diagnosis is challenging,...
BACKGROUND
Congenital h-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) without esophageal atresia (EA) represents about 4% of congenital esophageal anomalies. The diagnosis is challenging, and surgery is considered curative. The aim was to report a national survey on the diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with congenital H-TEF.
METHODS
Following approval of the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery, a survey was sent to all Pediatric Surgery Units to retrospectively collect H-TEF treated in the period 2010-2022. Descriptive analysis was performed, and results are given as prevalence, mean ± standard deviation (SD), or median and interquartile range (IQR).
RESULTS
The survey was sent to 65 units. Seventeen responded with one or more cases; 78 patients were diagnosed with H-TEF during the study period. Associated malformations were present in 43%, mostly cardiac (31%). The most frequent symptoms were cough (36%), bronchopneumonia (24%), and dysphagia (19%). H-TEF was detected by tracheobronchoscopy (90%), and/or upper GI (58%), and/or esophagoscopy (32%). The median age at diagnosis was 23 days (1 day-18 years). The most common approach was cervicotomy (76%), followed by thoracoscopy (14%) and thoracotomy (9%). The fistula underwent ligation and section of the fistula in 90% of the patients and clip closure and section in 9%. In one patient, the fistula was cauterized endoscopically. H-TEF preoperative cannulation was performed in 68% of cases, and a drain was placed in 26%. One month after surgery, 13% of the patients had mild persisting symptoms, mainly hypophonia. Recurrence occurred in 5%, and a second recurrence occurred in 1%.
CONCLUSIONS
H-TEF prevalence was six cases/year, consistent with the expected rate of five cases/year in our country. The diagnosis was challenging, sometimes delayed, and, in most patients, required multiple examinations. Fistula ligation and section through cervicotomy were the most frequent treatment. Long-term outcomes are good, and recurrence is a rare event.
PubMed: 38671640
DOI: 10.3390/children11040423 -
A Case of Unsuspected Laryngeal Atresia With Comorbid Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Cardiac Defects.Cureus Mar 2024Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital condition that presents with hypoxia and failed intubation attempts at birth. When diagnosed prenatally, options exist to obtain...
Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital condition that presents with hypoxia and failed intubation attempts at birth. When diagnosed prenatally, options exist to obtain airway access during delivery. However, postnatal diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and the prompt initiation of surgical airway management in order to avoid morbidity and mortality.
PubMed: 38654782
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56837 -
Polski Przeglad Chirurgiczny Apr 2024<b><br>Indroduction:</b> Significant dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and impossible oral nutrition in patients with unresectable or recurrent...
<b><br>Indroduction:</b> Significant dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and impossible oral nutrition in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastroesophageal malignancy or bronchial cancer invading the oesophagus with a tracheoesophageal fistula lead to cachexia. Dehiscence of the esophago-jejunal or gastroesophageal anastomosis may cause severe oesophageal haemorrhage. We believe that X-ray-guided oesophageal stent implantation (SEMS) is an alternative palliative method for microjejunostomy or full parenteral nutrition.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of this paper was to assess the safety and efficacy of a novel X-ray-guided oesophageal stent implantation technique.</br> <b><br>Materials and methods:</b> This retrospective analysis included 54 patients (35 men and 19 women) treated for malignant dysphagia, gastroesophageal/gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula or bronchoesophageal fistula in two Surgical Units between 2010 and 2019, using a modified intravascular approach to oesophageal stent implantation.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> The presented modified intravascular method of oesophageal stent implantation was successfully performed in all described patients requiring oral nutrition restoration immediately following oesophageal stent implantation. Two patients with oesophageal anastomotic dehiscence died on postoperative days 7 and 9 due to circulatory and respiratory failure. One patient was reimplanted due to a recurrent fistula. Two patients with ruptured thoracic aneurysm and thoracic stent graft implantation due to oesophageal haemorrhage, who were implanted with an oesophageal stent, died on postoperative days 4 and 14.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> The modified intravascular X-ray-guided SEMS technique may be a palliative treatment for patients with unresectable oesophageal malignancies.</br>.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Deglutition Disorders; X-Rays; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Esophageal Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Tracheoesophageal Fistula; Stents; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 38629277
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0054.0954