Fibrin glue treatment associated or not with diathermy for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula: our results after more than 20 years' experience.

Introduction: Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (RTEF) is a frequent complication (5-10%) in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). Open RTEF surgery has a high morbidity and mortality, so the endoscopic approach represents a promising alternative. We present the long-term results of fibrin glue (FG) bronchoscopic application in patients with RTEF secondary to EA, which was first used by our team in 1994.

Material And Methods: A retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with RTEF following EA repair and treated with FG bronchoscopic application from 1993 to 2019 was carried out. In most cases, diathermy was applied prior to FG sealing. The maximum number of endoscopic sessions was 5. In case of persistent RTEF following the fifth session, open surgery was performed.

Results: 14 RTEF patients were treated with FG. In all but the first 3 cases (11 patients, 78.6%), diathermy was applied concomitantly. Mean first treatment day was day 85 of life (range: 14-770). Patients received a mean of 2.1 (1-5) endoscopic sessions. Mean follow-up was 12.1 (10-20) years. Overall success rate was 71.4%, without significant differences according to whether diathermy was concomitantly applied or not (72.7% vs. 66.6%).

Conclusions: Fibrin glue bronchoscopic application associated or not associated with diathermy is an excellent option for RTEF treatment in EA patients. The endoscopic approach should be considered as the first-choice treatment for RTEF.