Azygos Vein Preservation; Its Impact on Early Outcomes After Neonatal EA/TOF Repair

Since the first successful repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula was performed approximately eight decades ago, surgeons have made considerable technical advances in solving intraoperative surgical challenges and reducing postoperative complications. According to some surgeons, the advantage of maintaining the Azygos vein makes this modification attractive. This study aimed to explore the benefits of retaining the Azygos vein during surgery for Esophageal Atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula, to emphasize its advantages in terms of reducing anastomotic leak, stricture, and other postoperative outcomes.

Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted between April 2020 and April 2023. The study included all newborns with (EA & TEF) eligible for primary repair, patients were randomly assigned to either Group A or Group B. (Group A) patients who underwent Azygos vein preservation during TEF repair, whereas the remaining patients (Group B) had Azygos vein disconnection.

Statistical analysis: The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 23.0, IBM Corp IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. The chi-square test (X2) was used to compare qualitative data in the groups, while an independent-sample t-test was used to compare quantitative data between groups. The degree of confidence was set at 95%. The p-value was considered significant at a level of 0.05.

Discussion: will focus on advantages of azygous vein preservation on intactness of esophageal anastomosis, retaining the venous drainage of the bronchial system, and chest wall. Points of discussion will include effects of Azygous vein preservation on incidence of postoperative pneumonitis, anastomotic leakage and stricture rate, and mortality rate. The results obtained from this study will be compared between both groups and with those reported in the literature.

Finally, the investigators will conclude the reconstructive technique that gives the better results and least morbidity.

Inclusion criteria

• all neonates suitable for primary repair of Esophageal Atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Exclusion criteria

• long gap esophageal atresia (> 3 cm)
• esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula