Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40800171›Full record

ArticleTranslational pediatrics2025

Delayed diagnosis of isolated congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula: a case report of surgical repair supported by TachoSil

Ugo Maria Pierucci, Irene Paraboschi, Costantino Zamana, Carlotta Paola Maria Canonica, Gerson Isaac Capelo Guazco, Antonio Mario Bulfamante, Francesca Izzo, Salvatore Zirpoli, Anna Camporesi, Gloria Pelizzo

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In one paragraph

Article in Translational pediatrics, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Ugo Maria PierucciDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7370-5122
Irene ParaboschiDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Costantino ZamanaDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Carlotta Paola Maria CanonicaDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Gerson Isaac Capelo GuazcoDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Antonio Mario BulfamantePediatric Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Francesca IzzoAnesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Salvatore ZirpoliDepartment of Pediatric Radiology, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Anna CamporesiAnesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Gloria PelizzoDepartment of Pediatric Surgery, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: H-type tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) are rare congenital malformations characterized by an abnormal connection between the trachea and esophagus in the absence of esophageal atresia. These lesions may remain undiagnosed for years due to subtle and non-specific symptoms, often resulting in chronic pulmonary complications. Delayed diagnosis can contribute to the development of long-standing inflammation and fibrosis, which significantly complicates surgical intervention. Case Description: We present the case of a 14-year-old girl with a previously undiagnosed H-type TEF who was treated for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections since early childhood. Her condition acutely worsened with severe respiratory distress requiring hospitalization. Comprehensive imaging, including contrast-enhanced esophagography and chest computed tomography (CT), identified the presence of a congenital H-type TEF with associated chronic peritracheal and paraesophageal inflammatory changes. Surgical repair was performed via a cervical approach. Intraoperatively, significant fibrotic tissue surrounding the fistulous tract posed challenges to dissection and closure. To reinforce the primary suture line and reduce the risk of postoperative complications, a fibrinogen-thrombin-coated hemostatic patch (TachoSil Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of heightened clinical suspicion in children with persistent respiratory symptoms. In delayed TEF diagnoses, chronic inflammation should be anticipated. Adjunctive use of hemostatic sealants may enhance surgical safety and improve outcomes in complex cases.

Indexed as

case reportfibrin-based surgical sealantH-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-type TEF)pediatric airway reconstructionpediatric surgery

Identifiers

PMID40800171
PMCPMC12336923

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.