Experience of diagnosis and treatment of 31 H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a single clinical center.

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.