ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF TRACHEAL DIVERTICULUM AFTER PRIMARY REPAIR OFESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA AND TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA

Two cases of recurrent and persistent respiratory symptoms after prima ry repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are desc ribed. The diagnostic workup included barium swallow examination, radi onuclide study for gastro esophageal reflux, and bronchoscopy. The tra cheal diverticulum was detected on bronchoscopy. Treatment consisted o f endoscopic cauterization of the mucosa of the diverticulum and its o rifice using electrocoagulation in case 1 and the Nd:YAG laser in case 2. Electrocoagulation produced tracheal edema, which caused severe re spiratory distress necessitating temporary tracheostomy. Cauterization with the Nd:YAG laser was safe, effective, and uncomplicated. Copyrig ht (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.