piperidines and Esophageal-Atresia

We describe a continuous flow mode of ventilation for repair of type I esophageal atresia in an infant. This type of atresia is defined by distal stenosis of the esophagus with a proximal blind pouch and no connection to the tracheobronchial tree. In traditional repair procedures the surgical approach is by thoracotomy, but newer videoassisted thoracoscopic techniques have introduced novel challenges to ventilatory mechanics in these low-weight infants. The literature contains little discussion of the anesthetic management or respiratory mechanics of these patients. Trying to maintain adequate tidal volume and oxygenation while thoracoscopic maneuvers take place increases the risk of barotrauma. Single-lung ventilation with a continuous flow respirator was effective in the case we report.

Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Anesthesia, Intravenous; Anesthetics, Intravenous; Barotrauma; Carbon Dioxide; Esophageal Atresia; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Infant; Intraoperative Care; Intraoperative Complications; Lung Compliance; Male; Oxygen; Piperidines; Pressure; Remifentanil; Respiration, Artificial; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; Tidal Volume

Long-term follow-up examination with esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed on seven patients who had undergone successful delayed anastomosis for isolated esophageal atresia. The follow-up period ranged from 1.2 to 11.3 years (mean, 5.3). All patients had undergone fundoplication because of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Three anastomotic strictures had to be resected. At the time of the last follow-up examination, the subjective results were excellent for five patients and good for two. The last endoscopy showed macroscopic esophagitis in three and normal mucosa in four. The fundoplication was partly disrupted in two patients. In three patients the fundoplication was competent but partly intrathoracic. Histological examination showed moderate esophagitis in one, mild esophagitis in one, and normal mucosa in five patients; however, four patients were on continuous medication for esophagitis. In conclusion, the subjective results of patients with isolated esophageal atresia treated with esophageal anastomosis are good. However, long-term complications caused by GER are common in these patients. Therefore, active search and treatment of reflux is necessary for these patients.

Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Anti-Ulcer Agents; Cisapride; Constriction, Pathologic; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Esophageal Atresia; Esophageal Diseases; Esophagitis; Follow-Up Studies; Fundoplication; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Infant; Piperidines; Postoperative Complications; Sucralfate