Factors affecting outcome in neonates with esophageal atresia with or without tracheesophageal fistula

BACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheesophageal fistula (TEF) is a common congenital anomaly requiring urgent surgical intervention after birth. Due to improvement in antenatal diagnosis and postnatal management in neonates with EA, there are better overall survival rates in the developed countries. However, the outcome is still poor in developing countries where multiple factors contribute to higher morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate various factors affecting the perioperative management and their outcome in neonates with EA with or without TEF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive observational study was conducted for 4 years. Neonates who underwent surgery for EA with or without TEF at our institute were included. Age of the neonate at presentation, gender, birth weight, period of gestation, antenatal diagnosis records, clinical presentation, associated congenital anomalies, surgical interventions, gap between upper and lower esophageal ends, postoperative complications, and outcome was recorded. RESULTS: Total, 44 neonates underwent surgery for esophageal atresia with or without TEF in our institute. Male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1. The mean birth weight of neonates was 2500 ± 900 g. The mean gestation age was 35 ± 5 weeks. Sepsis was the leading cause of postoperative morbidity seen in 45.5%, followed by anastomotic leak in 22.7%. Postoperative mortality was 59% with the survival rate of 41%. CONCLUSION: Sepsis, hypothermia, delayed diagnosis, delayed referral, aspiration pneumonitis, anastomotic leaks were the preventable factors affecting the outcome.