Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: ten years of experience in an institute.

Background: Esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), or both is a complicated problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and postoperative complications in patients with EA/TEF who were admitted to our hospital.

Methods: In total, 15 patients were enrolled from 1994 to 2003, including 8 males and 7 females. Patient demographics, associated anomalies, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The most common variant was EA with a distal TEF (type C), which occurred in 12 patients (80%). The latter had associated congenital anomalies, and cardiac anomalies were the most frequent, occurring in 8 patients (53.3%). Of the 6 cases who had life-threatening anomalies, 4 (66.7%) died, and of the 9 cases who had no life-threatening-anomalies, 2 (22.2%) died. Tracheomalacia and/or stenosis were diagnosed in 8 patients (66.7%) postoperatively. Though 3 of the 4 cases who suffered from dying spell received intratracheal stent implantation, 2 cases still died.

Conclusion: The survival rate of the patients with EA/TEF is influenced mainly by associated life-threatening anomalies. TMS combined with a history of dying spell may be the major fatal complication.