Analysis of the Application Value of Different Esophagography Techniques in the Diagnosis of H-Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Neonates

Abstract

Objective. The study aimed to analyse the detection rates of the triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique and conventional esophagography in diagnosing H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) in neonates. Methods. The data of 8 neonates diagnosed with H-TEF by surgery in the researchers’ hospital between January 2015 and January 2022 were collected. We compared the detection (true positive) rates of H-TEF by the triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique, conventional esophagography, and multidetector row spiral CT. Results. Before surgery, conventional esophagography was applied in all 8 cases, of which the H-TEF diagnosis was confirmed in 5 cases and TEF was suspected in 3 cases. The triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique was employed in 5 cases, of which 4 were confirmed with H-TEF and 1 was suspected with TEF. Multidetector row spiral CT was performed in 4 cases, and 1 case was confirmed with H-TEF, while no fistula was observed in the other 3 cases. The triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique yielded a 100% detection rate, while conventional esophagography revealed a 62.5% rate and multidetector row spiral CT showed a 25% rate. By comparative analysis, the true positive rates (TPRs) of the triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique and conventional esophagography were not significantly different ( P = 0.118 ). No significant differences were recorded in TPRs between conventional esophagography and multidetector row spiral CT ( P = 0.221 ). However, the triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique had a significantly higher TPR than multidetector row spiral CT ( P = 0.118 ). Conclusion. To diagnose congenital H-TEF in neonates, conventional esophagography is a highly valuable yet inconsistently reliable method and the diagnostic value of CT is relatively limited. The triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique boasts a significantly valuable application for H-TEF diagnosis. Being simple, economical, and effective, it barely requires state-of-the-art facilities, and no complications have occurred during its clinical practice. These advantages justify a possible wider application of the triple-lumen double-balloon catheter technique in clinical practice.

Ineffective ventilation in a very low birth weight infant with H-type Tracheoesophageal Fistula with bilateral chemical pneumonitis. A lesson learned

“…H-type TEF accounts for about 5% of all trachea-esophageal malformation, with an estimated incidence of about one per hundred thousand live birth. 4 The early diagnosis of this defect is challenging 5 and can be delayed because the presentation is non-specific. 6 However, if diagnosed early, the approach to airway management and invasive ventilation before surgical correction is quite challenging, particularly with the significant defect.…”

Retracted: Analysis of the Application Value of Different Esophagography Techniques in the Diagnosis of H‐Type Tracheoesophageal Fistula in Neonates

“…This article has been retracted by Hindawi following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [ 1 ]. This investigation has uncovered evidence of one or more of the following indicators of systematic manipulation of the publication process: Discrepancies in scope Discrepancies in the description of the research reported Discrepancies between the availability of data and the research described Inappropriate citations Incoherent, meaningless and/or irrelevant content included in the article Peer-review manipulation …”

“…Tis article has been retracted by Hindawi following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [1]. Tis investigation has uncovered evidence of one or more of the following indicators of systematic manipulation of the publication process:…”