CORRELATION BETWEEN POSITION OF RED RUBBER CATHETER ON X RAY AND GAP LENGTH IN TYPE C ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA (EA)

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gap length is important determinant for feasibility of primary repair in atresia and also for the preparedness and prognosis of delayed or staged operative procedures. A diagnostic plain radiograph with a red rubber catheter in situ might provide reliable information regarding the gap length without involving additional risk and cost. The present study was conducted to assess the gap length between the two esophageal pouches by preoperative plain radiography with in situ red rubber catheter in upper esophageal pouch and to know the correlation between position of red rubber catheter and measured gap length between upper and lower pouch. METHODOLOGY: Out of all patients admitted and diagnosed as gross's type C EA during September 2018 to November 2019 were included in the present study. The data regarding clinical history, general and systemic examination, pre-operative investigations including plain radiograph with in situ red rubber catheter and intraoperative measured gap length were recorded. Statistically correlation assessed between position of red rubber catheter and intraoperatively measured gap length among patients with type c EA. RESULTS: Total 283 patients were included in the present study. Radiologically position of red rubber catheter was found at level of T2, T3 and T4 in 18.7%, 55.5% and 25.8% respectively. A correlation was found between the preoperative radiological assessments of position of red rubber catheter with intra operatively measured gap length in this study and association between these two variable were found statistically signicant (r=-0.66, P=0). CONCLUSION: The preoperatively radiographic position of upper pouch should be assessed carefully to predict the gap width and it helps in preparedness of surgical management of the patients.