BREAKING NEWS: Successful Repair of Tracheo-esophageal Fistula with Esophageal Atresia at BCMCH

**🎊🎊🎊 BREAKING NEWS: Successful Repair of Tracheo-esophageal Fistula with Esophageal Atresia at BCMCH 🎊🎊🎊**

We are thrilled to announce a significant medical milestone achieved by the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Believers Church Medical College Hospital (BCMCH). With gratitude to God, we share the successful repair of a baby diagnosed with a Tracheo-esophageal Fistula (TEF) with esophageal atresia, marking a pivotal moment in pediatric surgical care.

**Case Background:**

A 2.5 kg newborn was referred to us from a nearby hospital due to an inability to pass an NG tube. Upon radiological investigations, the diagnosis revealed a complex case of Type 3 TEF with esophageal atresia, accompanied by a small ASD, VSD, and patent PDA. Notably, there was a substantial gap of more than 2 vertebral spaces between the upper and lower pouches of the esophagus, presenting a challenging surgical scenario.

**Surgical Intervention:**

Our dedicated team embarked on an extrapleural right thoracotomy, meticulously disconnecting the fistula between the trachea and the lower pouch of the esophagus. Subsequently, an end-to-end single-layer anastomosis of the upper and lower pouches was achieved across a TA tube. This intricate procedure demanded precision and expertise to bridge the considerable gap and ensure optimal outcomes for the patient.

**Post-operative Care:**

Following surgery, the baby underwent ventilation for 4 days to stabilize the anastomosis. Feeding commenced on the 6th post-operative day, following confirmation of the integrity of the anastomosis. Remarkably, the baby exhibited remarkable progress and was discharged on the 23rd postnatal day, heralding a successful recovery and a new chapter of hope for the family.

**Gratitude and Acknowledgments:**

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the remarkable team of healthcare professionals who played pivotal roles in this extraordinary journey. Special thanks to Drs. Sumitha, Anish, and Minu of neonatology, along with the NICU staff, for their unwavering care and support throughout the pre- and post-operative phases. We also express our profound appreciation to our esteemed anesthetists, Drs. Abbey, Leno, and Sajith Suleman, as well as the dedicated OR and CVTS teams, whose collaboration and expertise were instrumental in the successful execution of this complex surgical procedure.

**Conclusion:**

The successful repair of a Tracheo-esophageal Fistula with Esophageal Atresia exemplifies our commitment to excellence in pediatric surgical care at BCMCH. As we celebrate this momentous achievement, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing medical innovation, enhancing patient outcomes, and fostering hope for families facing challenging medical conditions. We extend our deepest gratitude to all involved and remain steadfast in our mission to deliver compassionate and cutting-edge healthcare to our community. 🙌👏👏🙌