Surgical Repair of H-type Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Objectives:H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) was diagnosed in 6 patients years from 1984 to 2004. Although all patients were symptomatic since birth, there was a diagnostic delay. Methods:Esophagography and/or bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of H-type TEF. Bronchoscopy was helpful in diagnosis, in evaluation of associated respiratory tract anomalies, and in treatment. All six cases underwent fistula repair, three through cervical approach, and the other through thoracotomy. Results:H-type tracheoesophageal fistula could be repaired by surgical repair, good result was obtained in our series. All cases were survival, only one case occur hoarseness and recovered after three months. All cases were followed up for 3 to 5 years, all symptoms disappeared. Conclusion:Surgery therapy to H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has gained good results.