Tracheoscopy assisted repair of tracheo-esophageal fistula (TARTEF): a 10-year experience

Summary Background:  Fiberoptic tracheoscopy assisted repair of tracheoesophageal fistula (TARTEF) has been reported to be useful for the surgeon with regards to identification of the fistula and proper fistula ligation. The aim of this article is to report our 10-year experience using TARTEF with intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) during tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair in newborns. Methods:  With ethical committee approval, we included all patients undergoing TARTEF from 1995–2005. Variables of interest were (1) respiratory deterioration caused by gastric inflation because of IPPV during surgery and endoscopy; (2) detection of additional airway anomalies; (3) success of intubation of the fistula; (4) other side effects or adverse events. Data are given in median and range. Results:  Forty-seven neonates with TARTEF were included. Mean gestational age was 37 weeks (31–42) and mean weight was 2.5 kg (1.1–3.8). The patients were intubated with tracheal tubes size 2.5–3.5 mm ID. Appropriately sized fiberoptic bronchoscopes with an outer diameter of 2.0, 2.4 and 2.8 mm were used; passed through the lumen of the tracheal tube (TT) thereby requiring the use of IPPV to ensure adequate ventilation. No respiratory deterioration was noted as a consequence of intraoperative fiberoptic manipulation within the trachea or because of gastric hyperinflation with IPPV. In all patients, the TEF was successfully penetrated with the fiberscope and this clearly helped the surgeon to rapidly identify and dissect the fistula. In two patients a tracheal bronchus was identified. In two patients accidental extubation occurred during endoscopic confirmation of successful fistula repair. Conclusions:  While fiberoptic TARTEF through the tracheal tube with IPPV did expedite and facilitate surgery, it did not cause clinically relevant impairment of ventilation. Careful manipulation during fiberoptic assessment is required to avoid tube displacement.