COMBINATION OF ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA WITH TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA AND DUODENAL ATRESIA: TREATMENT ANALYSIS OF FIFTEEN PATIENTS

The combination of duodenal atresia (DA) with esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) is a rare pathology, the frequency of which ranges from 1% to 6% of all cases of EA. Surgical treatment of the DA+EA-TEF combination always causes significant difficulties, primarily in determining the timing and stages of surgical correction. Objective of the study: to evaluate the results of treatment with a combination of DA+EA-TEF to determine the effective tactics of surgical treatment. Materials and methods of research: a retrospective, nonrandomized, uncontrolled, multicenter study was carried out. The work is based on the results of treatment of 15 newborns – 6 (40%) boys, 9 (60%) girls with a combination of DA+EA-TEF, who were treated in clinics of 6 university centers for pediatric surgery in the Russian Federation in 2015–2021. Simultaneous operations (SIMOPs) were performed in 10 (60%) patients, two-stage operations (TO) – in 5 (40%) newborns. The following criteria were taken into account: the period of antenatal (weeks) and postnatal (days) of establishing the diagnosis of obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), gestational age (weeks), birth weight (g), weight at the time of surgery (g), type of concomitant pathology , sequence and methods of surgical treatment, terms of complete enteral feeding (days), outcomes of operations and reasons for unsatisfactory outcomes. The average gestational age of children who underwent SIMOPs was 35.1 weeks. (Q1 – 31.5, Q3 – 39; Me – 37; SD – 5.1; min/max – 25–40; 95% CI: 31.1–39.0) versus 29.8 weeks. at DO (Q1 – 29, Q3 – 30.5; Me – 30; SD – 1.0; min/max – 28–31; 95% CI: 28.4–31.6) did not differ statistically significantly (р=0.083). The mean body mass values did not have statistically significant differences (p=0.081) and amounted to 2224 g (Q1 – 1410, Q3 – 2930; Me – 2665; SD – 890.8; min/max – 760–3260; 95% CI: 1556–2926) for SIMOPs, versus 1322 g (Q1 – 1165, Q3 – 1450; Me – 1380; SD – 196; min/max – 980–1450; 95% CI: 1078.4–16565) in the TO group. Results: the average duration of SIMOPs was on average 144.4 min (Q1 – 125, Q3 – 155; Me – 147.5; SD – 22; min/max – 120–190; 95% CI: 1321–159.3), TO – 147.0 (Q1 – 125, Q3 – 172; Me – 140; SD – 33.4; min/max – 120–205; 95% CI: 126–178.6). The sequence of surgical correction of defects in SIMOPs in 8 (53%) patients consisted of thoracotomy, ligation of the TEF, direct anastomosis of the esophagus and the imposition of duodeno-duodenoanstomosis (DDA). In one case, DDA was selected as the first operation, which was supplemented with Kader gastrostomy followed by thoracotomy, ligation of the TEF and anastomosis of the esophagus after elongation according to I. Livaditis. In one patient, after thoracotomy and ligation of the TEF in connection with an insurmountable diastasis of the esophagus, a cervical esophagostomy (CE), duodenojejunoanastomosis (DEA) and a gastrostomy according to Kader were applied. In a two-stage correction (TO), the first operation in 3 patients was DDA (20%), supplemented in one case (7%) with Kader gastrostomy, and the second stage after 2 days performed thoracotomy with the elimination of TEF and EA. In 2 (13%) newborns, the first stage was thoracotomy, elimination of TEF and EA, followed by imposition of DDA 2 days later. In one case, due to an insurmountable diastasis of the esophagus after thoracotomy and ligation of the TEF, intrathoracic elongation of the esophagus according to Foker with delayed anastomosis of the esophagus (on the 7th day) and laparoscopic fundoplication according to Nissen (at 5 months) were performed. The duration of hospitalization did not statistically significantly depend on the chosen method for correcting the combination of DA+EA-TEF (p=0.79) and averaged 28.4 days for SIMOPs (Q1 – 16, Q3 –34.5; Me – 26; SD – 21.4; min/max – 5.0–79; 95% CI: 17.6–42.4), and for TOs – 27,2 days (Q1 – 21, Q3 – 33; Me – 28; SD – 7.1; min/max – 19–38; 95% CI: 27.2–33). In the group of patients with SIMOPs, 2 deaths (13%) were recorded on the 5th and 7th days after surgery due to progressive multiple organ failure and intractable pulmonary hypertension. In one case (7%), a lethal outcome was recorded 8 months after primary surgery due to progressive cardiovascular failure. Early postoperative mortality after SIMOPs was 20%, overall mortality was 30%. In the TO group, 3 (20%) deaths were recorded: 2 in the early postoperative period (on day 3 and day 19) and one at the age of 3 months of life. Early postoperative mortality after TO was 40%, overall mortality – 60%. Conclusion: it is preferable to choose the ligation of the TEF as the first operation and, if the child's condition allows, to impose an esophageal anastomosis and restore duodenal patency, followed by a nasogastric tube through the esophageal anastomosis into the stomach. If, after ligation of the TEF, the patient's cardiorespiratory status does not stabilize, it is possible to restore the patency of the esophagus and pass the probe into the stomach without imposing a gastrostomy, which will allow the patient to be further treated as an isolated DA, and the operation to restore the patency of the duodenum is delayed. In the presence of insurmountable diastasis, the use of esophageal elongation technology with subsequent delayed EA is justified.

Enhancing esophageal repair with bioactive bilayer mesh containing FGF

We aimed to prepare a bioactive and biodegradable bilayer mesh formed by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) loaded gelatin film layer, and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) film layer, and to investigate its treatment efficacy on esophageal anastomosis. It is envisaged that the bioactive mesh in in vivo model would improve tissue healing in rats. The full thickness semicircular defects of 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 were created in anterior walls of abdominal esophagus. The control group had abdominal esophagus isolated with distal esophageal blunt dissection, and sham group had primary anastomosis. In the test groups, the defects were covered with bilayer polymeric meshes containing FGF (5 μg/2 cm2), or not. All rats were sacrificed for histopathology investigation after 7 or 28 days of operation. The groups are coded as FGF(−)-7th day, FGF(+)-7th day, and FGF(+)-28th day, based on their content and operation day. Highest burst pressures were obtained for FGF(+)-7th day, and FGF(+)-28th day groups (p < 0.005) and decreased inflammation grades were observed. Submucosal and muscular collagen deposition scores were markedly increased in these groups compared to sham and FGF(−)-7th day groups having no FGF (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). It was proved that FGF loaded bioactive bilayer mesh provided effective repair, reinforcement and tissue healing of esophageal defects.

Initial Esophageal Anastomosis Diameter Predicts Treatment Outcomes in Esophageal Atresia Patients With a High Risk for Stricture Development

Background and Aims: Children with esophageal atresia (EA) who undergo surgical repair are at risk for anastomotic stricture, which may need multiple dilations or surgical resection if the stricture proves refractory to endoscopic therapy. To date, no studies have assessed the predictive value of anastomotic diameter on long-term treatment outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between anastomotic diameter in the early postoperative period and need for frequent dilations and stricture resection within 1 year of surgical repair.Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who had EA repair or stricture resection (SR). Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the diameter of the anastomosis at the first endoscopy after surgery, number and timing of dilations needed to treat the anastomotic stricture, and need for stricture resection. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeling with a logit link and binomial family was done to analyze the relationship between initial endoscopic anastomosis diameter and the outcome of needing a stricture resection. Median regression was implemented to estimate the association between number of dilations needed based on initial diameter.Results: A total of 121 patients (56 females) with a history of EA (64% long-gap EA) were identified who either underwent Foker repair at 46% or stricture resection with end-to-end esophageal anastomosis at 54%. The first endoscopy occurred a median of 22 days after surgery. Among all cases, a narrower anastomoses were more likely to need stricture resection with an OR of 12.9 (95% CI, 3.52, 47; p &lt; 0.001) in patients with an initial diameter of &lt;3 mm. The number of dilations that patients underwent also decreased as anastomotic diameter increased. This observation showed a significant difference when comparing all diameter categories when looking at all surgeries taken as a whole (p &lt; 0.008).Conclusion: Initial anastomotic diameter as assessed via endoscopy performed after high-risk EA repair predicts which patients will require more esophageal dilations as well as the likelihood for stricture resection. This data may serve to stratify patients into different endoscopic treatment plans.

637 ANALYSIS OF THE OUTCOMES OF HAND-SEWN COMPARED TO THE STAPLED ANASTOMOSIS AFTER TOTAL GASTRECTOMY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

The complications related to esophagojejunal anastomosis are among the leading issues in the postoperative period of total gastrectomy. This review aims to evaluate the surgical outcomes of hand-sewn esophageal anastomosis compared to mechanical anastomosis for the reconstruction of total gastrectomy. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies evaluating hand-sewn and stapled anastomosis was performed. Results A total of 12 studies were selected, comprising 1761 individuals. The operation time was higher in the hand-sewn anastomosis group (mean difference [MD] = 22.13 minutes; 95%CI: 3.97, 40.29). However, the risk for anastomotic fistula was not different between the groups (difference risk [DR] = 0.00; 95%CI: −0.03, 0.03). Also, the rate of intracavitary abscess (DR = -0.02; 95%CI: −0.07, 0.02); the reoperation rate (DR = -0.00; 95%CI: −0.01, 0.01); postoperative complications (DR = 0.12; 95%CI: −0.01, 0.25); postoperative mortality (DR = 0.02; 95%CI: −0.02, 0.06); anastomotic stenosis (DR = -0.01; 95%CI: −0.03, 0.00); and length of hospital stay (mean difference [MD] = 3.52 days; 95%CI: −0.49, 7.53) were no different between groups. Conclusion The results indicate that the hand-sewn and stapled esophageal anastomosis have similar surgical outcomes. Stapled anastomosis has a shorter operation time being.

Enhancing Esophageal Repair With Bioactive Bilayer Mesh Containing FGF

We aimed to prepare a bioactive and biodegradable bilayer mesh formed by fibroblast growth factor (FGF) loaded gelatin film layer, and poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) film layer, and to investigate its treatment efficacy on esophageal anastomosis. It is envisaged that the bioactive mesh in in vivo model would improve tissue regeneration in rats. The full thickness semicircular defects of 0.5x0.5 cm2 were created in anterior walls of abdominal esophagus. The control group had abdominal esophagus isolated with distal esophageal blunt dissection, and sham group had primer anastomosis. In the test groups, the defects were covered with bilayer polymeric meshes containing FGF (5µg/2 cm²), or not. All rats were sacrificed for histopathology investigation after 7 or 28 days of operation. The groups are coded as FGF(-)-7th d, FGF(+)-7th d, and FGF(+)-28th d, based on their content and operation day. Highest burst pressures were obtained for FGF(+)-7th d, and FGF(+)-28th d groups (p < 0.005) and decreased inflammation grades were observed. Submucosal and muscular collagen deposition scores were markedly increased in these groups compared to sham and FGF(-)-7th d groups having no FGF (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, respectively). It was proved that FGF loaded bioactive bilayer mesh provided effective repair, reinforcement and tissue regeneration of esophageal defects.

Thoracoscopy for Esophageal Diverticula After Esophageal Atresia With Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula

Background: Esophageal diverticulum (ED) is an extremely rare complication of congenital esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) surgery. We aimed to investigate feasible methods for the treatment of this rare complication.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with EA/TEF at Beijing Children's Hospital from January 2015 to September 2019. The clinicopathological features of patients with ED after EA/TEF surgery were recorded. Follow-up was routinely performed after surgery until December 2020.Results: Among 198 patients with EA/TEF, ED only occurred in four patients (2.02%; one male, three female). The four patients had varying complications after the initial operation, including anastomotic leakage (3/4), esophageal stenosis (3/4), and recurrence of TEF (1/4). The main clinical symptoms of ED included recurrent pneumonia (4/4), coughing (4/4), and dysphagia (3/4). All ED cases occurred near the esophageal anastomosis. Patients' age at the time of diverticulum repair was 6.6–16.8 months. All patients underwent thoracoscopic esophageal diverticulectomy (operation time: 1.5–3.5 h). Anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient and spontaneously healed after 2 weeks. The other three patients had no peri-operative complications. All patients were routinely followed up after surgery for 14–36 months. During the follow-up period, all patients could eat orally, had good growth and weight gain, and showed no ED recurrence or anastomotic leakage on esophagogram.Conclusions: ED is a rare complication after EA/TEF surgery and is a clear indication for diverticulectomy. During the midterm follow-up, thoracoscopic esophageal diverticulectomy was safe and effective for ED after EA/TEF surgery.

Analysis of outcomes of a transoral circular stapled anastomosis following major upper gastrointestinal cancer resection

Summary Background Esophageal anastomoses performed following esophagectomy and total gastrectomy are technically challenging with a significant risk of anastomotic leak. A safe, reliable, and easy anastomotic technique is required to improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity. Method This paper analyses 328 consecutive patients who underwent transoral circular stapled esophageal anastomosis (ORVIL™) from a prospectively collected single-center database between December 2011 and February 2019. Results Two hundred and twenty-seven esophagectomies and 101 gastrectomies were performed using OrVil™ anastomoses. The mean patient age was 63.7 years. Of 328 consecutive OrVil™-based anastomoses, there were 10 clinically significant anastomotic leaks requiring radiological or operative intervention (3.05%). Twenty-eight (8.54%) patients developed anastomotic stricture, all of which were successfully treated with endoscopic balloon dilatation (a median of 1 dilatation was required per patient). Conclusion The OrVil™ anastomotic technique is reliable and safe to perform. This is the largest reported series of the OrVil™ anastomotic technique to date. Leak rates and anastomotic dilations were similar to other reported series. Based on our experience, we consider the use of the OrVil™ device for reconstruction after major upper GI resection to be safe and reliable.

Successful thoracoscopic treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia of communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation group IB with dextrocardia: a case report of VACTERL association

Background A communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation (CBPFM) group IB is very rare congenital malformation. Group IB is associated with tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia (TEF-EA) and a portion of one lung arisen from the esophagus (Gerle et al. in N Engl J Med. 278:1413–1419, 1968). The coexistence of TEF-EA and dextrocardia is also a rare and challenging setting for repair of TEF-EA. Therefore, the thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA require the technical devise because of the small operative space. We herein report a rare case of CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration of lung and a successful performing of thoracoscopic surgery for EA with dextrocardia in VACTERL association. Case presentation A 2.2-kg term male neonate was born with an anal atresia, coarctation of the aorta, TEF-EA, renal anomalies, radial hemimelia, limb abnormalities (VACTERL association) and hypoplasia of the right lung with dextrocardia. The patient developed respiratory distress after admission. A two-stage operation for the TEF-EA was planned because of multiple anomalies and cardiac condition. In the neonatal period, esophageal banding at the gastroesophageal junction and gastrostomy were performed to establish enteral nutrition. After gaining body weight and achieving a stable cardiac condition, thoracoscopic surgery for TEF-EA was performed. The thoracoscopic findings revealed a small working space due to dextrocardia. To obtain a sufficient working space and to perform secure esophageal anastomosis, an additional 3-mm assistant port was inserted. To close the upper and lower esophagus, anchoring sutures of the esophagus were placed and were pulled to suspend the anastomotic site. Esophageal anastomosis was successfully performed. An esophagogram after TEF-EA surgery showed the connection between the lower esophagus and right lower lung. The definitive diagnosis was CBPFM group IB with intralobar sequestration. The thoracoscopic surgery was performed again for establishing oral intake. After transection of the bronchoesophageal fistula, the patient could perform oral feeding without pneumonia or respiratory distress. Conclusions CBPFM type IB with intralobar sequestration is a rare condition. CBPFM type IB should be considered for a patients with respiratory symptom after radical operation for TEF-EA. In the present case, suspending the anastomotic site was effective and useful in thoracoscopic surgery for a TEF-EA patient with dextrocardia.