Objective: To summarize the experience of the diagnosis and treatment of 31 H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Methods: A total of 31 patients with H-type TEF were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 2000 to July 2017, and the diagnosis and treatment of the disease were analyzed and summarized.
Results: Iodine oil examination of the esophagus, fiberoptic bronchoscopy combined with esophagoscopy and three-dimensional computed tomography (3-D CT) reconstruction of the trachea and esophagus was used separately in 31 patients. 1 patient who had his TEF ligatured directly experienced recurrence 1 month after surgery, but recovered after TEF suturing. Subsequently, the remaining 30 patients were treated by suturing after TEF excision. All patients were followed up for 3 months-2 years and did not suffer from anastomosis orifice stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and a recurrent respiratory tract infection. Three patients exhibited vocal cord paralysis and improved spontaneously after a follow-up of 3-6 months.
Conclusion: H-type TEF is diagnosed by iodine oil examination of the esophagus, fiberoptic bronchoscopy combined with esophagoscopy, and 3-D CT reconstruction of the trachea and esophagus. Excision and suturing of the TEF separately are an effective treatment for the disease and are an excellent outcome.
Keywords: Diagnosis; Esophageal atresia; Experience; H-type tracheoesophageal fistula; Treatment.