Skip to main content
RACS ASC 2024

Management of oesophageal atresia: a survey of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Paediatric Surgeons (ANZAPS)

Verbal Presentation

Verbal Presentation

4:30 pm

09 May 2024

Dobson 3

RESEARCH PAPERS

Watch The Presentation

Presentation Description

Institution: Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick - NSW, Australia

Purpose: Inspired by the vibrant panel discussion at the 2022 ANZAPS Meeting, this survey aims to collate the current practices in the management of oesophageal atresia. Methods: Online survey sent to ANZAPS members. Results: A total of 50 members responded. Operative planning and approach amongst respondents revealed that routinely; 82% perform an LBO, 94% perform an extra-pleural approach and 76% divide the azygous vein. Surveying post operative practices, 90% leave a trans-anastomotic tube and 50% leave an intercostal catheter. Post operative contrast studies are utilised by 82%. For management of an acute life-threatening event, in the absence of a stricture and with severe tracheomalacia, 74% would proceed with aortopexy and 8% with fundoplication. For management of long gap oesophageal atresia, management tends to be centre dependent with 56% of responders preferring to feed and grow with a plan for delayed primary anastomosis. 26% reported that external traction is preferred and 4% reported using internal traction. 57% of responders reported that surveillance is performed by a Paediatric Surgeon and 36% are seen by a multidisciplinary clinic. 40% reported that routine endoscopic surveillance is performed according to local protocols, MDT opinion or gastroenterology guidelines. Conclusion: This survey documents the current variation surrounding the management of oesophageal atresia among ANZAPS members. Many practices vary including the use of chest drains. For cases of long gap oesophageal atresia, the approach remains centre dependent. This provides opportunity to discuss current evidence, may guide prospective multi-centre data collection and facilitate further research.

Speakers

Authors

Authors

Dr Alicia Miers - , Dr Dylan Wanaguru -