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Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jun 2019The primary aim of this systematic review was to quantify the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid analysis in detecting... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The primary aim of this systematic review was to quantify the diagnostic performance of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid analysis in detecting esophageal atresia prenatally. The secondary aim was to explore the accuracy of individual imaging signs in identifying this anomaly.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched. The quality of studies was assessed using the revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies. Summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for the predictive accuracy of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid analysis in detecting esophageal atresia were computed using the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic or DerSimonian-Laird random-effect model, according to the number of studies included in each analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017055828.
RESULTS
Twenty studies (73 246 fetuses, 1760 affected by esophageal atresia) were included. Overall, prenatal ultrasound had a sensitivity of 31.7%. Only two studies reported all data for diagnostic accuracy; based on these studies, prenatal ultrasound had a sensitivity of 41.9%, a specificity of 99.9%, a positive likelihood ratio of 88.1, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.58 and a diagnostic odds ratio of 153.7. Prenatal ultrasound correctly identified 77.9% of cases with esophageal atresia and 21.9% esophageal atresia with an associated tracheo-esophageal fistula. Polyhydramnios was present in 56.3% of cases affected by esophageal atresia, and a small or absent stomach was identified in 50.0% cases. When performed following a suspicious ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging had an good overall diagnostic accuracy for esophageal atresia, with a sensitivity of 94.7%, a specificity of 89.3%, a positive likelihood ratio of 8.8, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.06 and a diagnostic odds ratio of 149.3. Finally, amniotic fluid analysis with an esophageal atresia index ≥3 had a sensitivity of 89.9% and a specificity of 99.6% in detecting esophageal atresia.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound alone is a poor diagnostic tool for identifying esophageal atresia prenatally, and has a high rate of false positive diagnoses. Magnetic resonance imaging and amniotic fluid analysis have high diagnostic accuracy for esophageal atresia. We would recommend their use following a suspicious ultrasound.
Topics: Esophageal Atresia; Humans; Prenatal Diagnosis; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 30659586
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13536 -
Pediatric Surgery International May 2021H type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) is a rare congenital anomaly. Management may be complicated by late diagnosis and variation(s) in the therapeutic strategy. A...
BACKGROUND
H type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) is a rare congenital anomaly. Management may be complicated by late diagnosis and variation(s) in the therapeutic strategy. A systematic review of published studies explores the utility of diagnostic studies, operations and postoperative complications.
METHODS
Medline and PubMed database(s) were searched for ALL studies reporting H-TEF during 1997-2020. Using PRISMA methodology, manuscripts were screened for eligibility and reporting.
RESULTS
Forty-seven eligible studies were analysed. Primary diagnosis varied widely with surgeons performing oesophagography and trachea-bronchoscopy. Preoperative localisation techniques included fluoroscopy, guidewire placement and catheterisation. A cervical approach (209 of 272 cases), as well as thoracotomy, thoracoscopy and endoscopic fistula ligation, were all described. Morbidity included fistula recurrence (1.7%), leak (2%), tracheomalacia (3.4%) and respiratory sequelae (1%). The major adverse complication in all studies was vocal cord palsy secondary to laryngeal nerve injury (18.5%) yet strikingly few centres routinely reported undertaking vocal cord screening pre or postoperatively.
CONCLUSION
This study shows that paediatric surgeons record low volume activity with H type tracheoesophageal fistula. Variation(s) in clinical practice are widely evident. Laryngeal nerve injury and its subsequent management warrant special consideration. Care pathways may offset attendant morbidity and define 'best practice.'
Topics: Bronchoscopy; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Period; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Retrospective Studies; Thoracoscopy; Thoracotomy; Trachea; Tracheoesophageal Fistula; Tracheomalacia
PubMed: 33474597
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-020-04853-3 -
Medicine Jul 2016A thoracoscopic approach for repair of esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has become a standard procedure in many pediatric surgical centers.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A thoracoscopic approach for repair of esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has become a standard procedure in many pediatric surgical centers. However, whether thoracotomy or thoracoscopy offer advantages in terms of surgical outcomes is not known.
METHODS
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic repair (TR) versus conventional open repair (COR) for EA with TEF.PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant literature until 2016.Studies comparing surgical outcomes of patients undergoing TR versus COR for EA with TEF were reviewed.The quality of each included study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale score. A fixed or random-effect model was applied depending on heterogeneity tests.
RESULTS
Eight observational clinical studies involving 452 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of 2 major postoperative complications (leaks and strictures) did not show significant differences between TR and COR. Overall estimates of the odds ratio (OR) of TR versus COR for leaks and strictures were: 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-3.20; P = 0.22) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.27-2.97; P = 0.86), respectively. However, meta-analysis of operation time (OR = 19.59, 95% CI = 0.77-38.40, P = 0.04), timing of extubation (OR = -2.50, 95% CI = -3.39 to -1.62, P < 0.001), time to 1st oral feeding (OR = -2.58, 95% CI = -3.79 to -1.36, P < 0.001), and duration of hospital stay (OR = -10.76, 95% CI = -16.39 to -5.12, P < 0.001) showed significant differences.No randomized controlled trial was included, and most studies had small sample sizes and were based on retrospective analysis.
CONCLUSION
TR and COR show a similar complication rates of leaks and strictures for EA/TEF repair. Although associated with a longer operative time, TR has the advantages of an earlier time to extubation and 1st oral feeding, and shorter hospital stay.
Topics: Esophageal Atresia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Observational Studies as Topic; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thoracoscopy; Thoracotomy; Tracheoesophageal Fistula; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27472740
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004428 -
Archives of Plastic Surgery Sep 2022Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion following laryngectomy may fail to form an adequate seal. When spontaneous closure of the fistula tract...
Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis insertion following laryngectomy may fail to form an adequate seal. When spontaneous closure of the fistula tract does not occur after conservative measures, surgical closure is required. The purpose of this study was to summarize the available evidence on surgical methods for TEP site closure. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane was performed to identify studies describing surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications for TEP closure. We evaluated the rate of unsuccessful TEP closure after surgical management. A meta-analysis with a random-effect method was performed. Thirty-four studies reporting on 144 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of an unsuccessful TEP surgical closure was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-13%). Subgroup analysis showed an unsuccessful TEP closure rate for silicone button of 8% (95% CI < 1-43%), 7% (95% CI < 1-34%) for dermal graft interposition, < 1% (95% CI < 1-37%) for radial forearm free flap, < 1% (95% CI < 1-52%) for ligation of the fistula, 17% (95% CI < 1-64%) for interposition of a deltopectoral flap, 9% (95% CI < 1-28%) for primary closure, and 2% (95% CI < 1-20%) for interposition of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. Critical assessment of the reconstructive modality should take into consideration previous history of surgery or radiotherapy. Nonirradiated fields and small defects may benefit from fistula excision and tracheal and esophageal multilayer closure. In cases of previous radiotherapy, local flaps or free tissue transfer yield high successful TEP closure rates. Depending on the defect size, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or fasciocutaneous free flaps are optimal alternatives.
PubMed: 36159387
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1756347 -
Endoscopic interventional therapies for tracheoesophageal fistulas in children: A systematic review.Frontiers in Pediatrics 2023An electronic literature search was performed using the keywords "tracheoesophageal fistula," "endoscopic," and "children" in the four major medical databases (Ovid,... (Review)
Review
METHODS
An electronic literature search was performed using the keywords "tracheoesophageal fistula," "endoscopic," and "children" in the four major medical databases (Ovid, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science) right from inception to September 2022. All English language articles describing the endoscopic interventional therapies of TEF in children were reviewed. Two independent researchers screened eligible articles at the title and abstract level. Full texts of potentially relevant articles were then screened again, and reference lists were screened manually to identify additional studies. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed. A synthesis of the relevant data was presented in descriptive form because of the heterogeneity of the included articles. The Chi-Squared test was used with a significance level of 5% (< 0.05).
RESULTS
Among the 1,167 retrieved papers, a total of 46 studies describing 170 TEF patients with an age range of 0.3-175 months were included, including 11 cases of acquired tracheoesophageal fistula, 144 cases of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula, and 15 cases of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (H-type TEF). A total of 119 out of 170 fistulas were successfully blocked endoscopic techniques with an overall success rate of 70.0%, while 48 fistulas failed to close by endoscopic interventions, following which the procedure was converted to open surgery. No obviously severe intraoperative/postoperative complications occurred during the follow-up period, but only a mild esophageal stricture was noticed in six patients and grade II tracheal stenosis in one patient. Two patients died from causes unrelated to endoscopic procedures, with a mortality rate of approximately 1.2%. A comparative assessment of different endoscopic interventional techniques for TEF that detected endotracheal stenting was performed in six patients and one fistula was successfully blocked (16.7%). De-epithelialization alone was performed in 65 patients and the fistula healed in 47 of them (72.3%), with the mean number of successful treatments required being 2.3 times. Chemical sealant injection was administered in 33 patients and success was achieved in 21 (63.6%). The average requirement for endoscopic procedures was 1.5 times. De-epithelialization, in combination with chemical sealant injection, was performed in 62 patients, achieving the highest success rate of 77.4% (48 patients). Other treatment methods were performed in four patients and successfully treatment outcomes were reported in two of them (50.0%). The mean number of successful treatments required was four times, and a treatment was converted to surgery in one patient (25.0%). An assessment of different TEF types showed that 9 out of 15 congenital TEFs, 7 out of 11 acquired TEFs, and 103 out of 144 recurrent TEFs were successfully occluded. A comparison of the success rate across multiple groups showed a significant difference with a score of < 0.05, while there was no significant difference in the success rate of different TEF-type groups (> 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Endoscopic intervention is currently a preferred treatment modality for children with TEF because of its less-invasive nature, less complications, and high success rate. Among all interventional techniques, de-epithelialization, in combination with chemical sealant, has a higher success rate than other techniques. However, due to the limited number of cases reported for implementing many kinds of techniques, an ideal endoscopic interventional technique has yet to be devised, often necessitating more treatment applications and close follow-up.
PubMed: 36911034
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1121803 -
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology Jan 2017Mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) due to respiratory-chain defects or nonrespiratory chain defects are usually multisystem conditions [mitochondrial multiorgan disorder... (Review)
Review
Mitochondrial disorders (MIDs) due to respiratory-chain defects or nonrespiratory chain defects are usually multisystem conditions [mitochondrial multiorgan disorder syndrome (MIMODS)] affecting the central nervous system (CNS), peripheral nervous system, eyes, ears, endocrine organs, heart, kidneys, bone marrow, lungs, arteries, and also the intestinal tract. Frequent gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of MIDs include poor appetite, gastroesophageal sphincter dysfunction, constipation, dysphagia, vomiting, gastroparesis, GI pseudo-obstruction, diarrhea, or pancreatitis and hepatopathy. Rare GI manifestations of MIDs include dry mouth, paradontosis, tracheoesophageal fistula, stenosis of the duodeno-jejunal junction, atresia or imperforate anus, liver cysts, pancreas lipomatosis, pancreatic cysts, congenital stenosis or obstruction of the GI tract, recurrent bowel perforations with intra-abdominal abscesses, postprandial abdominal pain, diverticulosis, or pneumatosis coli. Diagnosing GI involvement in MIDs is not at variance from diagnosing GI disorders due to other causes. Treatment of mitochondrial GI disease includes noninvasive or invasive measures. Therapy is usually symptomatic. Only for myo-neuro-gastro-intestinal encephalopathy is a causal therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation available. It is concluded that GI manifestations of MIDs are more widespread than so far anticipated and that they must be recognized as early as possible to initiate appropriate diagnostic work-up and avoid any mitochondrion-toxic treatment.
PubMed: 28286566
DOI: 10.1177/1756283X16666806 -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Mar 2022There is currently no standard treatment for locoregional recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) previously treated with radiotherapy. This study aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is currently no standard treatment for locoregional recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) previously treated with radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of re-irradiation for ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence.
METHODS
The PubMed, EmBase, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched for eligible studies published before January 2021. The pooled effect estimates were calculated using the random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the treatment effectiveness of re-irradiation based on specific characteristics.
RESULTS
Nine retrospective studies including 573 ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence were selected. The pooled incidences of the 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival for patients after re-irradiation were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35-83; P < 0.001), 25% (95% CI: 16-33; P < 0.001), 25% (95% CI: 4-45; P = 0.017), and 15% (95% CI: 2-27; P = 0.024), respectively. The rates of complete response and local re-recurrence after re-irradiation were 54% (95% CI: 21-88; P = 0.001) and 62% (95% CI: 55-70; P < 0.001), respectively. The median overall survival and local failure-free survival for patients after re-irradiation were 13.94 months (95% CI: 4.18-46.51; P < 0.001) and 11.01 months (95% CI: 5.99-20.22; P < 0.001), respectively. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events of esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radiation pneumonitis were significantly more common after re-irradiation.
CONCLUSIONS
This study found that re-irradiation for ESCC patients with locoregional recurrence after previous radiotherapy was feasible. However, patients should be carefully observed in order to treat associated adverse events, including esophageal perforation, tracheoesophageal fistula, and radiation pneumonitis.
Topics: Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Re-Irradiation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35346285
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02019-0 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Mar 2015Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is an extremely rare malformation, and standard treatment have not been completely established. By years of clinical research,... (Review)
Review
Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is an extremely rare malformation, and standard treatment have not been completely established. By years of clinical research, evidence has been accumulated. We conducted systematic review to assess outcomes of the treatment for CES, especially the role of endoscopic modalities. A total of 144 literatures were screened and reviewed. CES was categorized in fibromuscular thickening, tracheobronchial remnants (TBR) and membranous web, and the frequency was 54%, 30% and 16%, respectively. Therapeutic option includes surgery and dilatation, and surgery tends to be reserved for ineffective dilatation. An essential point is that dilatation for TBR type of CES has low success rate and high rate of perforation. TBR can be distinguished by using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Overall success rate of dilatation for CES with or without case selection by using EUS was 90% and 29%, respectively. Overall rate of perforation with or without case selection was 7% and 24%, respectively. By case selection using EUS, high success rate with low rate of perforation could be achieved. In conclusion, endoscopic dilatation has been established as a primary therapy for CES except TBR type. Repetitive dilatation with gradual step-up might be one of safe ways to minimize the risk of perforation.
PubMed: 25789088
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v7.i3.183 -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Oct 2023Anastomotic stricture is a common postoperative complication of oesophageal atresia ± tracheoesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) repair. Acid gastro-oesophageal reflux... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Anastomotic stricture is a common postoperative complication of oesophageal atresia ± tracheoesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) repair. Acid gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is considered to be a factor in stricture formation and acid suppression medication is recommended post-operatively in consensus guidance. We aimed to investigate whether patients who were treated prophylactically with acid suppression medication had a reduced incidence of strictures compared to those who did not receive it.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies was performed, searching multiple databases without language or date restrictions. Multiple reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and literature quality. The primary outcome was anastomotic stricture formation, with secondary outcomes of GORD, anastomotic leak, and oesophagitis. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, and the results were expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
No randomised studies on the topic were identified. Twelve observational studies were included in the analysis with ten reporting the primary outcome. The quality assessment showed a high risk of bias in several papers, predominantly due to non-objective methods of assessment of oesophageal stricture and the non-prospective, non-randomised nature of the studies. Overall, 1395 patients were evaluated, of which 753 received acid suppression medication. Meta-analysis revealed a trend towards increased odds of anastomotic strictures in infants receiving prophylactic medication, but this was not statistically significant (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.92, 1.92). No significant differences were found in secondary outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis found no evidence of a statistically significant link between the prophylactic prescribing of acid suppression medication and the risk of developing anastomotic stricture after OA repair. The literature in this area is limited to observational studies and a randomised controlled trial is recommended to explore this question.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Esophageal Atresia; Constriction, Pathologic; Tracheoesophageal Fistula; Esophageal Stenosis; Postoperative Complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Anastomosis, Surgical; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37355433
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.05.024 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Jul 2023Neonatal care is commonly regionalised, meaning specialist services are only available at certain units. Consequently, infants with surgical conditions needing...
BACKGROUND
Neonatal care is commonly regionalised, meaning specialist services are only available at certain units. Consequently, infants with surgical conditions needing specialist care who are born in non-surgical centres require postnatal transfer. Best practice models advocate for colocated maternity and surgical services as the place of birth for infants with antenatally diagnosed congenital conditions to avoid postnatal transfers. We conducted a systematic review to explore the association between location of birth and short-term outcomes of babies with gastroschisis, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and oesophageal atresia with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF/OA).
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases for studies from high income countries comparing outcomes for infants with gastroschisis, CDH or TOF/OA based on their place of delivery. Outcomes of interest included mortality, length of stay, age at first feed, comorbidities and duration of parenteral nutrition. We assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We present a narrative synthesis of our findings.
RESULTS
Nineteen cohort studies compared outcomes of babies with one of gastroschisis, CDH or TOF/OA. Heterogeneity across the studies precluded meta-analysis. Eight studies carried out case-mix adjustments. Overall, we found conflicting evidence. There is limited evidence to suggest that birth in a maternity unit with a colocated surgical centre was associated with a reduction in mortality for CDH and decreased length of stay for gastroschisis.
CONCLUSIONS
There is little evidence to suggest that delivery in colocated maternity-surgical services may be associated with shortened length of stay and reduced mortality. Our findings are limited by significant heterogeneity, potential for bias and paucity of strong evidence. This supports the need for further research to investigate the impact of birth location on outcomes for babies with congenital surgical conditions and inform future design of neonatal care systems.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022329090.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; Gastroschisis; Cohort Studies; Esophageal Atresia; Tracheoesophageal Fistula
PubMed: 37474200
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002007