Seminars in pediatric surgery
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Semin. Pediatr. Surg. · May 2009
Case ReportsThe pitfalls of endotracheal intubation beyond the fistula in babies with type C esophageal atresia.
The intraoperative management of a neonate with esophageal atresia (EA) and distal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a true anesthetic challenge. Pediatric anesthesia textbooks recommend a distal tracheal intubation beyond the fistula and spontaneous ventilation, if possible, until surgical control of the fistula is achieved to minimize gastric distention. A full-term neonate with Trisomy 21 presented with an EATEF and was transferred to the operating theater for repair after appropriate evaluation. ⋯ Autopsy revealed the endotracheal tube in the trachea with its distal end passing through a large distal TEF. Preoperative bronchoscopy may help the team to assess the size and location of the distal TEF and plan for the best anesthetic strategy. It may also be useful to confirm tube location after endotracheal intubation and intraoperatively in the event of cardiorespiratory instability.
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Semin. Pediatr. Surg. · May 2009
Case ReportsIntestinal venous congestion as a complication of elective silo placement for gastroschisis.
Use of a spring-loaded silastic silo has been advocated as a means of gentle reduction of the herniated bowel, while avoiding the possible complications of primary closure of gastroschisis. We recently encountered intestinal venous congestion during elective silo reduction of gastroschisis. Two babies with gastroschisis were treated postdelivery with a spring-loaded silo placed under the fascial defect and the eviscerated bowel suspended within the silo. ⋯ On day 3, removal of the silo revealed frank bowel necrosis with impending perforation. Two-thirds of the small bowel required resection, leaving the child with short bowel. Venous congestion within a silo should be given prompt attention, including removal of the silo, as bowel infarction may result.