Management of a double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia: a case report

Abstract

Double congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without esophageal atresia, known as double H-type fistula, is an extremely uncommon malformation. Due to its nonspecific symptoms and the small size of the fistula in infancy, H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is rarely diagnosed in the neonatal period and is also challenging to repair. We report a rare case of double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a 2-day-old newborn, identified with a time-lapse and repaired separately. The diagnosis was established through repeated bronchoscopy, with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope. A right thoracotomy was performed to undertake the surgical repair after cannulating the fistula with a vascular guide wire. Five months later, the infant, who had a history of recurrent episodes of coughing and shortness of breath, was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress, and a second TEF was detected by bronchoscopy. A cervical incision was used to repair the second H-type fistula. Double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula should be considered while correcting a tracheoesophageal fistula, especially if the symptoms continue after the first operation. Repeated radiological contrast studies and bronchoscopy with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope help the early diagnosis.