Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula: success and failure rates in the United Arab Emirates

The management of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TE F) has improved markedly over the years, with a current overall survival of 80%-90%. This however, is not the case in developing countries, where mort ality continues to be high. The results of treatment of 41 consecutive case s EA and/or TEF have been analyzed to determine factors pertinent to the ou tcome. The distribution of anomalies and a postoperative survival of 86.8% were comparable to those from developed countries. Aspiration pneumonia was unusually frequent in our patients (78%), but did not adversely influence outcome. Associated congenital anomalies as well as low birth weight contin ue to be important predictors of outcome in our setting. Our post-operative complications were similar to those from developed countries apart from a high incidence of stricture formation. This was attributed to gastroesophag eal reflux, non-ventilation post-operatively, and the use of silk sutures t o construct the anastomosis.