Abstract
Isolated tracheoesophageal (“H-type”) fistula is a relatively uncommon congenital
anomaly that can be difficult to identify and, at times, challenging to repair. We
present a very unusual case of an infant with 2 distinct H-type tracheoesophageal
fistulas (TEFs) identified and repaired in 1 operation.
A newborn male infant presented with coughing with feeds. Contrast esophagram demonstrated
an intrathoracic H-type fistula without esophageal atresia. In the operating room,
rigid bronchoscopy was performed, and a second TEF was identified in the cervical
region. A separate balloon catheter was placed in each fistula. The intrathoracic
fistula was repaired through a thoracotomy incision, and the more proximal fistula
was repaired through a cervical incision. Each repair was uncomplicated, and recovery
was uneventful.
Double H-type tracheoesophageal appears to be extremely rare. This case underscores
the importance of searching for a second fistula by bronchoscopy before undertaking
definitive repair of a TEF.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
June 19,
2012
Received in revised form:
June 16,
2012
Received:
March 27,
2012
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
