Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: two case reports

Authors

Naomi A. Mwamanenge, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Haika K. Mariki, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Lucy L. Mpayo, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Ernestina E. Mwipopo, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Fatima Mussa, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Masawa K. Nyamuryekung’e, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Yahaya Binde, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Said Kiangi, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Zaituni Bokhary, Muhimbili National Hospital (Mnh), Tanzania
Martha Mkony, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania
Yaser Abdallah, Aga Khan UniversityFollow
Karim Manji, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas), Tanzania

Document Type

Case Report

Department

Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)

Abstract

Background

The incidence of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is 1 out of 3000–5000 live births. Its incidence in lower middle income countries is not known. The infants usually present with excessive secretions or choking while feeding and are at risk for aspiration. The outcome of these infants in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral, sepsis at presentation requiring preoperative stabilization, postoperative complications such as anastomosis leaks, pneumonia, and pneumothorax.

Case presentation

We present two African babies who were term infants at age 2 days (male) and 5 days (female) with diagnosis of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. The 5-day-old infant required preoperative stabili- zation due to sepsis and delayed surgery with a poor postoperative outcome. The 2-day-old infant was preoperatively stable and had a good postoperative outcome. The challenges faced in management of these two cases have been highlighted.

Conclusion

Outcome of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in lower middle income countries is not encouraging due to delays in referral and poor postoperative healing attributed to sepsis and recur- rent pneumothorax. Timely referral, preoperative condition of the infant, and timely management has shown to be a contributory factor for an improved outcome.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Medical Case Reports

DOI

10.1186/s13256-023-04278-1

Recommended Citation

Mwamanenge, N. A., Mariki, H. K., Mpayo, L. L., Mwipopo, E. E., Mussa, F., Nyamuryekung’e, M. K., Binde, Y., Kiangi, S., Bokhary, Z., Mkony, M., Abdallah, Y., Manji, K. (2023). Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: two case reports. Journal of Medical Case Reports, 17(540), 1-5.
Available at: https://ecommons.aku.edu/eastafrica_fhs_mc_paediatr_child_health/428

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