Pediatric surgery international
-
Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Mar 2002
Case ReportsCostal cartilage grafting for repair of a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula in a 1.6-kg baby with esophageal atresia.
A large intraoperative tracheal tear occurred during correction of a type III esophageal atresia in a 1,630-g premature baby. It was repaired by primary suture. Recurrence of the tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) was treated operatively with esophageal exclusion and costal cartilage grafting (CCG) onto the tracheal defect. ⋯ On 27-month follow-up, the child was symptom-free and thriving. Surgical options for TEF recurrence and intraoperative management of the tracheal air leak are discussed. CCG is advocated as an attractive material for tracheal repair even in low-weight prematures.