Purpose: This study examines the impact of postoperative noninvasive ventilation strategies on outcomes in esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) patients.
Methods: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted on all neonates followed at the EA-TEF Clinic from 2005 to 2017. Primary outcomes were: survival, anastomotic leak, stricture, pneumothorax, and mediastinitis. Statistical significance was determined using Chi-square and logistic regression (p ≤ .05).
Results: We reviewed 91 charts. Twenty-five infants (27.5%) were bridged with postextubation noninvasive ventilation (15 on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), 5 on Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV), and 14 on High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)). Overall, 88 (96.7%) patients survived, 25 (35.7%) had a stricture, 14 (20%) had anastomotic leak, 9 (12.9%) had a pneumothorax, and 4 (5.7%) had mediastinitis. Use of NIPPV was associated with increased risk of mediastinitis (P = .005). Use of HFNC was associated with anastomotic leak (P = .009) and mediastinitis (P = .036).
Conclusions: These data suggest that postoperative noninvasive ventilation techniques are associated with a significantly higher risk of anastomotic leak and mediastinitis. Further prospective research is needed to guide postoperative ventilation strategies in this population.
Type of study: Retrospective study.
Level of evidence: IV.
Keywords: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP); Esophageal atresia–tracheoesophageal fistula; High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC); Neonate; Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV); Postoperative complications.
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