Coexisting left congenital diaphragmatic hernia and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: successful management in a premature neonate

J Pediatr Surg. 1996 Jul;31(7):989-91. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3468(96)90432-7.

Abstract

The combination of left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with esophageal atresia (EA) and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is extremely rare and is considered highly lethal. The authors describe a premature neonate with this association, who is alive at 6 1/2 years of age. Temporary banding of the gastroesophageal junction and gastrostomy was performed concurrently with hernia repair and prosthetic abdominoplasty to enlarge the abdominal cavity. A right thoracotomy for ligation of the fistula, using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), was performed 13 days later. Complete repair of the esophageal atresia was accomplished 7 weeks after birth. The methods that have been suggested in the literature are discussed. The institution of ECMO at birth could allow a primary complete surgical repair of EA and CDH. Nevertheless, surgical management with staged repair, as described herein, can be useful.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / surgery
  • Esophageal Atresia / complications*
  • Esophageal Atresia / surgery
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
  • Gastrostomy
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / surgery
  • Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / surgery*
  • Male
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Thoracotomy
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / congenital*
  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula / surgery