Faculty Collaboration Database

Challenging surgical dogma in the management of proximal esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula: Outcomes from the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium. J Pediatr Surg 2018 Jul;53(7):1267-1272

Date

06/11/2017

Pubmed ID

28599967

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.05.024

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85020203541 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   73 Citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Perioperative management of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is frequently based on surgeon experience and dogma rather than evidence-based guidelines. This study examines whether commonly perceived important aspects of practice affect outcome in a contemporary multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing primary repair for the most common type of esophageal atresia anomaly, proximal EA with distal TEF.

METHODS: The Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium conducted a multicenter, retrospective study examining selected outcomes on infants diagnosed with proximal EA with distal TEF who underwent primary repair over a 5-year period (2009-2014), with a minimum 1-year follow up, across 11 centers.

RESULTS: 292 patients with proximal EA and distal TEF who underwent primary repair were reviewed. The overall mortality was 6% and was significantly associated with the presence of congenital heart disease (OR 4.82, p=0.005). Postoperative complications occurred in 181 (62%) infants, including: anastomotic stricture requiring intervention (n=127; 43%); anastomotic leak (n=54; 18%); recurrent fistula (n=15; 5%); vocal cord paralysis/paresis (n=14; 5%); and esophageal dehiscence (n=5; 2%). Placement of a transanastomotic tube was associated with an increase in esophageal stricture formation (OR 2.2, p=0.01). Acid suppression was not associated with altered rates of stricture, leak or pneumonia (all p>0.1). Placement of interposing prosthetic material between the esophageal and tracheal suture lines was associated with an increased leak rate (OR 4.7, p<0.001), but no difference in the incidence of recurrent fistula (p=0.3). Empiric postoperative antibiotics for >24h were used in 193 patients (66%) with no difference in rates of infection, shock or death when compared to antibiotic use ≤24h (all p>0.3). Hospital volume was not associated with postoperative complication rates (p>0.08). Routine postoperative esophagram obtained on day 5 resulted in no delayed/missed anastomotic leaks or a difference in anastomotic leak rate as compared to esophagrams obtained on day 7.

CONCLUSION: Morbidity after primary repair of proximal EA and distal TEF patients is substantial, and many common practices do not appear to reduce complications. Specifically, this large retrospective series does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics beyond 24h and empiric acid suppression may not prevent complications. Use of a transanastomotic tube was associated with higher rates of stricture, and interposition of prosthetic material was associated with higher leak rates. Routine postoperative esophagram can be safely obtained on day 5 resulting in earlier initiation of oral feeds.

STUDY TYPE: Treatment study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Author List

Lal DR, Gadepalli SK, Downard CD, Ostlie DJ, Minneci PC, Swedler RM, Chelius TH, Cassidy L, Rapp CT, Billmire D, Bruch S, Burns RC, Deans KJ, Fallat ME, Fraser JD, Grabowski J, Hebel F, Helmrath MA, Hirschl RB, Kabre R, Kohler J, Landman MP, Leys CM, Mak GZ, Raque J, Rymeski B, Saito JM, St Peter SD, von Allmen D, Warner BW, Sato TT, Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium

Authors

Laura Cassidy PhD Associate Dean, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Thomas H. Chelius Biostatistician I in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Dave Lal MD, MPH Chief, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Ruth M. Povlich PAC APP Inpatient 2 in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anastomotic Leak
Antibiotic Prophylaxis
Digestive System Surgical Procedures
Esophageal Atresia
Esophageal Stenosis
Female
Histamine H2 Antagonists
Humans
Incidence
Infant, Newborn
Male
Pneumonia
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
Trachea
Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Treatment Outcome
Vocal Cord Paralysis