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Esophageal Atresia
Everything in the library about esophageal atresia — built automatically from the recorded discussions that name it
Educational content from recorded physician discussions — not medical advice. Always talk to your child's care team about your child's situation.
Content of this collection
Fundamentals
1 item
Esophageal Atresia & Tracheoesophageal Fistula (EA/TEF) Types Explained for Pediatric Surgery
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This video provides a clear, visual explanation of Esophageal Atresia (EA) and Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF), common congenital anomalies in pediatric surgery. Jill Knepprath, MD demonstrates normal anatomy and then breaks down the differ
video2:11 · Sep 2026
Surgical Management
13 items
Thoracoscopic Repair of Tracheo-esophageal Fistula Tricks: Pediatric Surgery...
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During the Pediatric Surgery Tricks of the Trade and Difficult Cases: Innovative Solutions to Common Problems Course in 2013, Dr. Atsuyuki Yamataka discusses preoperative gap assessment and thoracoscopic repair intracheoesophageal fistula w
video19:14 · Sep 2018
Tracheoesophageal Fistula with Dr. Daniel von Allmen
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This podcast discusses the work up, operative management, and follow-up management of tracheoesophageal fistulas. Dr. Todd Ponsky is an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics and pediatric surgeon at Akron Children's Hospital. Dr. Av
video45:21 · Jan 2019
EA/TEF Discussion & Technique: Difficult Cases
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Dr. Atsuyuki Yamataka discusses measuring the residual TEF, thoracoscopic repair, and preoperative gap assessment. He also demonstrates his laparoscopic technique for repair of TEF.
video19:33 · Jan 2019
Update Course 2013: EA & TEF
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Dr. Robert Parry from Akron Children's Hospital leads a comprehensive discussion of esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistulas. Topics include initial management, operative management, pre-operative echocardiogram, chest tube, thora
video38:25 · Jan 2019
Tips and Tricks: EA & TEF
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Dr. Steven Rothenberg leads a discussion on tips and tricks that are useful in operative and post-operative management of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.
video9:27 · Jan 2019
Introduction and Panel Discussion: EA & TEF
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Dr. Todd Ponsky from Akron Children's Hospital leads a discussion on esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Topics during this introductory discussion include operative approaches, utilization of bronchoscopy, and esophageal moti
video36:02 · Jan 2019
Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Distal Tracheo-esophageal...
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This video appears in a new pediatric surgery textbook, Clinical Pediatric Surgery: A Case-Based Interactive Approach," by Dr. Sherif Emil. The book is an innovative educational resource that focuses on judgment and decision-making in pedia
video5:41 · Feb 2020
Tracheoesophageal Fistula with Dr. Daniel von Allmen
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This podcast discusses the work up, operative management, and follow-up management of tracheoesophageal fistulas. Dr. Todd Ponsky is an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics and pediatric surgeon at Akron Children's Hospital. Dr. Av
podcast45:21 · Dec 2020
Esophageal Replacement with Dr. Dan von Allmen
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In this episode we are talking about esophageal atresia, challenges and techniques for reconnection, and replacement methods when conservation isn't possible with Dr. Dan von Allmen, he’s the surgeon-in-chief at Cincinnati Children’s Hospit
podcast13:51 · Nov 2023
QUAD #1: Cervical Tracheopexy with Dr. Alessandro de Alarcon
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Cincinnati Children's hosted the QUAD conference in October 2022 which was a combination of four conferences: The international organization for is Esophageal atresia, the Aerodigestive Society Conference, the Cincinnati Children's Airway c
video5:26 · Dec 2023
QUAD #2 Thoracoscopic Tracheopexy with Dr. Aaron Garrison
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Cincinnati Children's hosted the QUAD conference in October 2022 which was a combination of four conferences: The international organization for is Esophageal atresia, the Aerodigestive Society Conference, the Cincinnati Children's Airway c
video7:36 · Jan 2024
QUAD #7 Anesthesia for Thoracoscopic Techniques with Dr. Nathaniel Tighe
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Cincinnati Children's hosted the QUAD conference in October 2022 which was a combination of four conferences: The international organization for is Esophageal atresia, the Aerodigestive Society Conference, the Cincinnati Children's Airway c
video7:35 · Mar 2024
Dr. Marc Michalsky - Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Surgery – Developing a Programmatic Paradigm
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Marc Michalsky, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAP, FASMBS - Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Surgery – Developing a Programmatic Paradigm
Surgical Grand Rounds (October 29, 2025)
video66:48 · Oct 2025
Complications
9 items
Tricks - Indwelling Balloon Catheter For Refractory Esophageal Stenosis
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David van der Zee discusses indwelling esophageal balloon catheter for benign esophageal stenosis in infants and children.
video23:57 · Nov 2018
Aerodigestive & Esophageal Surgery - Difficult Tracheal Esophageal Fistula
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Dr. Todd Ponsky introduces the seminar covering complexities in the management of Tracheal Esophageal Fistula (TEF). Points of interest will include discussion around the "unsalvageable esophagus" and diagnosis of TEF. Dr. Michael Rutter, P
video120:59 · Nov 2018
TEF Presentations (Extended): Aerodigestive & Esophageal Surgery
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Dr. Michael Rutter presents multiple case studies of patients with esophageal fistulas and repair approaches to each.
video108:11 · Jan 2019
Leak after Esophageal Atresia Repair / TEF Repair: Discussion of World Experts
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Following Dr. Arnold Coran's presentation on recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulae, Dr. Todd Ponsky moderates a discussion on the subject. Topics include the utility of post-operative contrast studies, management of leaks, and dealing with c
video15:25 · Jan 2019
Rigid Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis and Treatment of Proximal Pouch Fistula in...
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This video appears in a new pediatric surgery textbook, Clinical Pediatric Surgery: A Case-Based Interactive Approach," by Dr. Sherif Emil. The book is an innovative educational resource that focuses on judgment and decision-making in pedia
video4:26 · Feb 2020
Rigid Bronchoscopy for Diagnosis and Treatment of Proximal Pouch Fistula in...
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This video appears in a new pediatric surgery textbook, Clinical Pediatric Surgery: A Case-Based Interactive Approach," by Dr. Sherif Emil. The book is an innovative educational resource that focuses on judgment and decision-making in pedia
video4:26 · Feb 2020
Esophageal Dilation for children with Esophageal Atresia
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Animation video [in English]. Target audience: Parents and families. The video could also be used as an explanatory tool by healthcare professionals.
This is an ERNICA animation. Please consult your own care provider for local protocols.
video3:34 · Nov 2023
GERD - (GastroEsophageal) REFLUX (Disease) in Esophageal Atresia Patients: An ERNICA animation
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Animation video [in English]. Target audience: Parents and families. The video could also be used as an explanatory tool by healthcare professionals.
This is an ERNICA animation. Please consult your own care provider for local protocols.
video4:14 · Nov 2023
Tracheobronchopexy to Avoid Tracheostomy in Esophageal Atresia Patients With Severe Life-Threatening Tracheobronchomalacia
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Hester F Shieh, Russell W Jennings, Thomas E Hamilton , Shawn Izadi , Benjamin Zendejas , C Jason Smithers
Background: Esophageal atresia (EA) is associated with tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), which in its most severe form, causes blue sp
video0:50 · Apr 2025
Evidence & Research
18 items
Glycopyrrolate for Anastomtic Dehiscence in Esophageal Atresia
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Administration of glycopyrrolate in patients of anastomotic leak after primary repair of esophageal atresia resulted in reduced oral secretions, which helped in healing of the anastomotic dehiscence in a significant number of patients.
video2:20 · Sep 2018
Thoracoscopic TEF Repair, Is It Really Better Than Open? Update Course 2018
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At the 6th Annual Pediatric Surgery Update Course,Dr. Alexander Gibbons discusses the history of surgical repair oftracheoesophageal fistulas, with focus on the controversy of thoracoscopic versus open TEF repair.
video18:17 · Sep 2018
Glycopyrrolate for Anastomtic Dehiscence in Esophageal Atresia
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Administration of glycopyrrolate in patients of anastomotic leak after primary repair of esophageal atresia resulted in reduced oral secretions, which helped in healing of the anastomotic dehiscence in a significant number of patients.
video2:20 · Jan 2019
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: December 2021
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Here's your latest podcast with the highlights from the December issue of JPS. We're joined by Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Whit Holcomb, as well as authors, Drs. Louise Montalva, Shaun Kunisaki, and Shawn St. Peter. Hosts: Ellen Encisco & Rod Gera
podcast16:39 · Jan 2022
APSA - Effect of transanastomotic feeding tubes on anastomotic strictures in patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula- the Quebec experience - Kathryn LaRusso
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Listen to Kathryn LaRusso gave her presentation of "Effect of
transanastomotic feeding tubes on anastomotic strictures in patients
with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula- the Quebec
experience" at the first ever Best of th
video8:52 · May 2022
Case Based Journal Review: Esophageal Atresia in 2022
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Dr. José Campos is back, this time helping us review some of the latest literature on the diagnosis and management of Esophageal Atresia in children. In this podcast, we're reviewing a typical case with Dr. Todd Ponsky and incorporating lit
podcast17:55 · Aug 2022
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: February 2023, BAPS issue
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We’re featuring new Journal of Pediatric surgery articles this week to bring you some of the latest news! This week we are discussing three articles from the February 2023 issue, the BAPS issue
We talked to the editor Dr. Mark Davenport
podcast12:32 · Apr 2023
Quick Literature Updates Episode 9
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We’re back with ninth episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review four articles covering the most int
video · Jun 2023
ERNICA Research Collaboration Webinar on Quality of Life
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The aim of the webinar is to provide an overview of the concepts “patient-reported outcome, quality of life and health-related quality of life” and how the quality of life (QoL) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have been evaluated
video61:59 · Nov 2023
ERNICA Research Collaboration Webinar in Clinical Trials
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Starting a multicenter and international trial is a process with challenges and pitfalls. Clinical trials with patients with a rare disease are maybe even more difficult. At the same time ERNICA can strengthen clinical trials because of the
video84:40 · Nov 2023
STEPS-EA trial: Esophageal Atresia
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video3:19 · Nov 2023
Comparison of robotic versus thoracoscopic repair for congenital esophageal atresia
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New article you should know by Cecilia Gigena
"Comparison of robotic versus thoracoscopic repair for congenital esophageal atresia: a propensity score matching analysis "
Authors: Mengxin Zhang, Jinshi Huang, Wei Zhong, Xi Zhang, Yin
video0:56 · Feb 2024
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: October 2023
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We’re featuring Journal of Pediatric surgery articles to bring you some of the latest news!
This week we are discussing 3 articles from October 2023 issue, with editor Dr. Pablo Laje and authors Thomas Wyllie, and Drs. Mallinath Chakribo
podcast12:59 · Apr 2024
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: Q1 (Jan-Mar) 2024
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We are back with a new episode of the Journal of pediatric surgery series.
This time we have the first quarter of 2024.
With editors: Dr. Romeo Ignacio for January, APSA edition, Dr. Mark Davenport for February, BAPS, edition & Dr. P
podcast13:34 · Jun 2024
Quick Literature Updates Episode 17
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We’re back with seventeenth episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most in
video4:28 · Feb 2025
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: 1st Quarter (Jan-Mar) 2025
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We are back with another episode of our Journal of Pediatric Surgery article review podcast. This time we have three publications from the first quarter of 2025, January, February and March issues. This time we're talking to editors Drs. Ro
podcast16:35 · May 2025
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Article Review: 2nd Quarter (Apr-Jun) 2025
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We are back with another episode of our Journal of Pediatric Surgery article review podcast. This time we have three publications from the second quarter of 2025, April, May and June issues. This time we're talking to editors Drs. George Ho
podcast16:35 · Aug 2025
Quick Literature Updates Ep 27
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We’re back with 27th episode of "Quick Literature Updates" the podcast series that delivers the latest updates in pediatric surgery literature in a quick and digestible format. In each episode, we review articles covering the most interesti
video4:20 · Feb 2026
Case-Based Learning
2 items
Interesting Case Presentations Part II: EA/TEF
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Dr. Wolfgang Stehr, Dr. Cynthia Reyes, Dr. Amber Shada, Dr. Matias Bruzoni, and Dr. Kamalesh Pal present further interesting cases related to esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula.
video66:11 · Jan 2019
Update Course Rewind: Magnet Therapy for Esophageal Atresia
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At Pediactric Surgery Update Course 2021, Dr. Bethany Slater from UChicago Comer Children's Hospital and Dr. Steven Rothenberg from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children sharing their cases on using magnet therapy as an alternative treatment
podcast10:25 · Dec 2021
In-Depth Reviews
3 items
Esophageal Atresia
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Comprehensive discussion of esophageal atresia and esophageal fistulas by Robert Parry. Initial management, operative management, pre operative echocardiogram, chest tube, thoracoscopic versus open esophageal atresia,TEF repair, long gap es
video39:30 · Nov 2018
Finnish Pediatric Surgery Hub - From Centralization to Collective Learning and Sharing of Expertise
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Mikko P. Pakarinen, Topi Luoto, Susanna Nuutinen, Arimatias Raitio, Esko Tahkola, Antti Koivusalo
Aim of the study: Continuous surgical developments, growing awareness of patient representatives and limited health-care resources are push
video0:48 · Feb 2025
QUAD #27 - Multidisciplinary - How Do Teams Enhance Outcomes by the CCHMC ADEC Team
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In this special episode from the QUAD Conference hosted by Cincinnati Children’s, Lizzy Lee takes us inside one of the world’s largest and most advanced multidisciplinary programs for children with complex airway and digestive conditions: t
video10:19 · Apr 2025
Emerging & Future Directions
2 items
#APSA 50: Robert E. Gross Debate
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The 50th APSA meeting featured a debate moderated by Dr. Jacob Langer from The Hospital for Sick Children. The topic debated was: "Be it resolved that I would NOT encourage my daughter or son to become a pediatric surgeon." Representing the
video59:33 · Jul 2019
#APSA 50: Robert E. Gross Debate
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The 50th APSA meeting featured a debate moderated by Dr. Jacob Langer from The Hospital for Sick Children. The topic debated was: "Be it resolved that I would NOT encourage my daughter or son to become a pediatric surgeon." Representing the
podcast59:33 · Dec 2020
Patient & Family Education
1 item
Care and Nutrition in Esophageal Atresia: An ERNICA animation for parents and families
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Animation video [in English]. Target audience: Parents and families. The video could also be used as an explanatory tool by healthcare professionals.
This is an ERNICA animation. Please consult your own care provider for local protocols.
video2:48 · Nov 2023
Long-Term Care
3 items
Esophageal Surveillance Practices in Esophageal Atresia Patients
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Another article you should know by Cecilia Gigena
"Esophageal Surveillance Practices in Esophageal Atresia Patients: A Survey by the Eastern Pediatric Surgery Network"
Authors: Malcolm N. Hamilton-Hall III, Dana Jungbauer, Christine
video · Jul 2023
Quality of life in relation to eating in children and adults born with esophageal atresia - ERNICA Research Collaboration
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The title of this webinar is: Eat to live, or live to eat? - Quality of life in relation to eating in children and adults born with esophageal atresia. This interactive webinar will explore quality of life in relation to eating in both chil
video64:51 · Nov 2023
LIFE - Lifelong Follow up for Esophageal atresia
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Animation video [in English]. Target audience: Patients, parents and families. The video could also be used as an explanatory tool by healthcare professionals. This is an ERNICA animation. Please consult your own care provider for local pro
video2:52 · Nov 2023
Summaries and takeaways+ Show
The doctors in this collection+ Show
All expert statements+ Show
Every expert statement below comes from the recorded discussions, with its speaker and moment.
Glycopyrrolate for Anastomtic Dehiscence in Esophageal Atresia
The study was a prospective randomized control trial studying the effect of glycopyrolate on patients that had leak after esophageal atresia repair
host_summaryTodd Ponsky0:08 ↗
There were 297 patients over a 10 year period that underwent esophageal atresia repair
host_summaryTodd Ponsky0:08 ↗
Of the 297 patients, there were 42 leaks, approximately 14%
host_summaryTodd Ponsky0:08 ↗
The 42 patients with leaks were prospectively randomized into two groups of 21 each, one receiving glycopyrrolate and the other receiving placebo (saline)
host_summaryTodd Ponsky0:08 ↗
The observer was blinded to which treatment group the patient was in
host_summaryTodd Ponsky0:08 ↗
Chest tube output was 124 mL in the glycopyrrolate treatment group compared to 370 mL in the placebo group
host_summaryAbdul Raoof Lamoshi1:04 ↗
Leak resolution was accomplished in 76% of the glycopyrrolate treatment group compared to 29% of the placebo group
host_summaryAbdul Raoof Lamoshi1:04 ↗
Oral feeding was achieved in 71% of the glycopyrrolate treatment group compared to only 14% of the placebo group
host_summaryAbdul Raoof Lamoshi1:04 ↗
The study was a very well done randomized controlled trial with a very good sample size
opinionAbdul Raoof Lamoshi1:43 ↗
The results were both statistically and clinically significant
opinionAbdul Raoof Lamoshi1:43 ↗
Glycopyrrolate is a novel treatment that can have substantial effect on the complicated problem of anastomotic leak after esophageal atresia repair
opinionTodd Ponsky1:56 ↗
TEF Presentations (Extended): Aerodigestive & Esophageal Surgery
The bugbee cautery is useful and underutilized among general surgeons for treating recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas.
opinionTodd Ponsky0:04 ↗
A 70-degree endoscope is a difficult tool to use but useful for tracking down hard-to-find tracheoesophageal fistulas.
clinical0:37 ↗
Routine bronchoscopy is now standard practice for all type C esophageal atresia cases, though this represents a change from earlier training when it was not necessarily performed.
clinicalDan1:13 ↗
General surgeons may underappreciate tracheomalacia or laryngomalacia, making collaboration with ENT colleagues valuable for comprehensive airway assessment.
opinionTodd Ponsky1:53 ↗
Pediatric surgery fellows at this institution complete a one-month attachment with ENT to perform bronchoscopies as part of their training.
clinical2:22 ↗
Dual scoping (simultaneous bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy) is enormously valuable for complicated TEF patients, providing different information and advantages in visualization.
clinicalDan6:41 ↗
During dual scoping, you can see the light from one scope through the epithelium, inject material that may come through subtle holes, or observe bubbles from air insufflation, making simultaneous visualization quite valuable.
clinicalPhil7:33 ↗
For combined bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy in small children, a 2.8 mm flexible bronchoscope is typically used alongside an infant gastroscope (5.4 or 6 mm outer diameter).
clinicalPhil8:19 ↗
An infant gastroscope will fit retrograde through a 16 French gastrostomy tube.
clinicalPhil8:36 ↗
The concept of endoscopic TEF repair is to demucosalize the tract because mucosa is a non-stick surface; you want raw against raw with a tiny bit of fibrin glue to seal it while it scars off.
clinical11:01 ↗
When using fibrin glue for TEF repair, use a very small amount (about 0.1 ml) via a Duplo double-lumen catheter to avoid forming a foreign body.
clinical11:36 ↗
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used for TEF demucosalization, but it is difficult to control precisely and leaves white tissue everywhere, whereas the bugbee provides more precise control.
clinicalTodd Ponsky12:21 ↗
When using bugbee cautery for TEF repair, place something in the esophagus (such as an endotracheal tube) as a spacer to avoid burning the back of the esophageal wall.
clinical13:36 ↗
A bugbee catheter will go down an EGD scope, allowing cauterization from the esophageal side if the tract angle is favorable.
clinical14:29 ↗
A 3 French bugbee fits through a 2.8 mm flexible bronchoscope with a 1.2 mm suction channel, providing precise control of the tip.
clinicalBob Wood15:10 ↗
When passing a bugbee through a rigid scope, bending the end at a slight angle before insertion allows steering by rotation.
clinical15:32 ↗
Endoscopic TEF repair often needs to be performed more than once; the average is approximately 2 procedures, with some requiring 1 and others 3-4 attempts.
clinical22:37 ↗
The success rate for endoscopic TEF closure is running about 80%, not 100%.
clinical24:18 ↗
After 3 or 4 failed endoscopic TEF repair attempts, it is typically time to give up and discuss alternative approaches.
clinical24:27 ↗
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