Post-operative management of esophageal atresia–tracheoesophageal fistula and gastroesophageal reflux: A Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons annual meeting survey

BackgroundEsophageal atresia (EA), with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), is commonly associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after surgical repair. One risk factor for anastomotic stricture is post-operative GER. This survey assessed practice patterns among attendees at the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons (CAPS) annual meeting with respect to management of GER post EA-TEF repair.MethodsA pre-piloted survey was handed out and collected at the 2012 CAPS annual meeting. Data were entered and coded, and descriptive statistics were calculated.ResultsWe distributed 70 surveys, and 57 (81.4%) surveys were returned. On average, the incidence of EA-TEF is 8–10 cases per institution, per year. Anti-reflux medication is started immediately post-operatively in 74% of patients at institution of feeds (11%), or if symptoms of reflux develop (14%). Proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists are used in approximately equal proportion. Patients are typically kept on anti-reflux medication for 3–6 months (37%) or 6–12 months (35%).ConclusionsMost CAPS attendees treat postoperative GER prophylactically. However, there is no consistency in management strategy regarding which anti-reflux agent to use or for how long. A multi-centered study is required to establish a standardized protocol for the post-operative management of EA-TEF to prevent reflux and its effect on anastomotic strictures.