Risk factors for adverse outcomes following surgical repair of esophageal atresia. A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Summary Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening congenital malformation of the esophagus. Despite considerable recent advances in perinatal resuscitation and neonatal care, EA remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in low-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess risk factors for adverse outcomes following surgical repair of EA at a single center in Tunisia. We performed a retrospective analysis using medical records of neonates with surgical management of EA at our institution from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2021. In total, 88 neonates were included with a mortality rate of 25%. There were 29 girls and 59 boys. The diagnosis of EA was suspected prenatally in 19 patients. The most common associated anomalies were congenital heart diseases. Prematurity, low birth weight, outborn birth, age at admission >12 hours, congenital heart disease, postoperative sepsis, and anastomotic leak were risk factors for mortality following surgical repair of EA. Anastomotic tension was the only factor associated with short-term complications and the occurrence of short-term complications was predictive of mid-term complications. This study provides physicians and families with contemporary information regarding risk factors for adverse outcomes following surgical repair of EA. Thus, any effort to reduce these risk factors would be critical to improving patient outcomes and reducing cost. Future multi-institutional studies are needed to identify, investigate, and establish best practices and clinical care guidelines for neonates with EA.