Congenital Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonate with an Oligohydramnios as a Rare Presentation: A Case Report

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal fistula is a challenging anomaly with a rare prevalence with symptoms mainly respiratory, sometimes digestive. We present a rare case of oesophageal atresia with distal Tracheoesophageal fistula in a female child whose mother presented with severe oligohydramnios on ultrasonography with intrauterine growth retardation before cesarean section. After the birth of preterm and very low birth weight neonate, we initially diagnosed as respiratory distress syndrome with a club foot. However, we diagnosed oesophageal atresia with distal Tracheoesophageal fistula on the 2nd day as nasogastric tube insertion was failed beyond 10cm and confirmed by X-ray with a rubber catheter. Right thoracotomy with ligation of the fistula with end to end anastomosis was performed successfully without complications. Breastfeeding initiated and the child discharged after she started gaining weight. Early post-operation complication (anastomotic stricture) was noticed after 2 weeks; however, corrected with endoscopic balloon dilatation. Currently, the child is healthy weighing 10kgs at 18 months of age.

Keywords

• Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula; oligohydramnios; preterm baby; very low birth weight; case report.