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Preoperative laryngotracheobronchoscopy in infants with esophageal atresia: why is it not routine?

Pediatric Surgery International volume 34, pages 3–7 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

The value of laryngotracheobronchoscopy (LTB) immediately prior to repair of esophageal atresia with or without tracheo-esophageal fistula is contentious. Currently, there is a wide range of opinion on the utility of this investigation which is reflected by huge variation in clinical practice. This review is a critical analysis of the arguments for and against performing routine LTB prior to esophageal atresia repair. Reserving LTB for selected cases only is potentially disadvantageous since it limits the surgeon’s and anesthetist’s familiarity with the procedure, equipment, and range of potential findings. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that routine preoperative LTB becomes the standard of care.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Starship Children’s Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand

    Kiarash Taghavi

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Kiarash Taghavi

  3. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Wellington Children’s Hospital, Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington, 6021, New Zealand

    Mark D. Stringer

  4. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand

    Mark D. Stringer

Authors
  1. Kiarash Taghavi
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  2. Mark D. Stringer
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Correspondence to Mark D. Stringer.

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Taghavi, K., Stringer, M.D. Preoperative laryngotracheobronchoscopy in infants with esophageal atresia: why is it not routine?. Pediatr Surg Int 34, 3–7 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-017-4194-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-017-4194-0

Keywords

  • Esophageal atresia
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Tracheo-esophageal fistula