Background/purpose: The available literature on congenital isolated H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is limited, and preferred approach varies among centers (cervicotomy, thoracotomy, thoracoscopy). We aimed to present one of the biggest case series of thoracoscopic approach for congenital isolated TEF and to assess the method's feasibility and outcomes.
Methods: Retrospective review of thoracoscopic TEF repair experiences at 2 European university pediatric surgery centers.
Results: 9 boys and 3 girls were involved in the study (age 5 days-4 years), 8 of them were newborns (mean birth weight 3013 g, mean gestational age 39 weeks). The most common presenting symptoms were desaturations on feeding in neonates and recurrent respiratory tract infections in older children. The diagnoses were established on contrast study and confirmed with rigid bronchoscopy. The fistulas were located at or below the thoracic inlet; the fistulas were 2 cm above the carina to half the height of the trachea. All patients underwent successful thoracoscopic TEF repair. There were no conversions. The postoperative course was uneventful in all but one who had rethoracoscopy for prolonged postoperative chylothorax. All patients had satisfactory vocal cord function. One patient required reoperation for fistula recurrence 8 months after primary surgery.
Conclusion: Thoracoscopic approach for isolated H-type TEF seems to be possible as a procedure of choice with satisfactory results and all benefits of minimally invasive procedure.
Level of evidence: IV (case series).
Keywords: Bronchoscopy; Congenital anomalies; Esophageal atresia; Thoracoscopy; Tracheoesophageal fistula.
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