Clinical profile of new borns with trachea-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia and factors associated with outcome at a tertiary care centre

Background: Although trachea-esophageal fistula (TEF) and esophageal atresia (EA) is rare, it is one of the most common congenital anomaly. There is paucity of data due to rarity of condition. More and more data on clinical profile, complications, and outcome are needed to guide the future research. Objective: To study clinical profile of newborns with TEF and EA and factors associated with outcome. Materials and Methods: Hospital based prospective study was carried out among 21 newborns with TEF and EA. Diagnosis was confirmed by investigations like X-ray chest after passing nasogastric catheter. Depending upon final diagnosis type of surgery required was determined and procedure was carried out as per the standard guidelines and operating techniques. All cases were followed till the complete post-operative period and the complications and outcome was assessed. Outcome was classified as death or discharge. Results: Males outnumbered females giving a male to female ratio of 2.5:1. 57.1% did not require ventilator pre-operatively. 61.9% of the cases had no associated abnormality. The most common type of surgery required and performed was tracheoesophageal repair in 52.4% of the cases. Two cases (9.5%) died during the post-operative period. 14 cases (66.7%) recovered and were discharged. Most common complication was anastomotic leak (57.1%). Term status and associated abnormalities were not found to be associated with outcome like death (p>0.05). Conclusion: Trachea-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia was more common in males. Tracheoesophageal repair was commonly required surgery. Recovery rate was good. Anastomotic leak was most common complication. Outcome like death was not associated with term status and associated abnormalities. Keywords: Clinical profile, Newborns, Tracheoesophageal fistula, Atresia, Outcome