Long-term pulmonary consequences of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

This study represents the experience of a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia including long-term effect on the lungs. A retrospective review of all patients referred to pulmonary clinic with EA/ TEF and or Pre-operative evaluations from the period 1993-2004. A total of 41 patients. twenty-six (63%) males and 15 (37%) females. EA/ TEF were diagnosed at birth in 34 (83%). EA and distal TEF were found in 37 (90%) of the patients. Congenital anomalies were associated in 28 (68%). More than 1/3 of the patients had post-op complications including Pneumothorax, recurrent TEF, leakage at operation site and Empyema. More than 2/3 of the patients required prolonged ventilation. Pulmonary complications developed in >70% of the patients including persistent atelectasis, chronic aspiration pneumonia, asthma and chronic lung disease that required oxygen for more than one month. Tracheomalacia in 12 (29%) and bronchiectasis in 7 (17%). Eighty-eight percent of patients who were able to do PFT showed abnormal values of moderate obstructive and restrictive lung disease. Patients with TEF and long gap EA, prematurity and congenital anomalies should be referred early to a tertiary care center to prevent long term complications