Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2001 Dec;72(6):1898-901.
doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(01)03233-7.

Aortopexy in severe tracheal instability: short-term and long-term outcome in 29 infants and children

J F Vazquez-Jimenez  1 , J S Sachweh, O J Liakopoulos, W Hügel, J Holzki, G von Bernuth, B J Messmer
Affiliations

Aortopexy in severe tracheal instability: short-term and long-term outcome in 29 infants and children

J F Vazquez-Jimenez et al. Ann Thorac Surg. 2001 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Tracheal instability is a hazardous situation after operation for esophageal atresia. In cases with life-threatening apneas, aortopexy is a therapeutic option. To assess efficacy, short-term and long-term outcome was analyzed retrospectively.

Methods: Between 1985 and 2000, 29 patients (age, 1.5 months to 5.2 years) were operated on. A flaccid trachea after operation for esophageal atresia was the cause for life-threatening apneas in 27, and there was external vascular compression in 2 patients. The operative procedure consisted of ventropexy of the aortic arch to the sternum and ventral thoracic wall.

Results: There was neither early nor late mortality. A reversible lesion of the phrenic nerve was observed in 2 patients, a pneumothorax in 3, and secondary wound healing in 1. In all but 1 patient symptoms improved markedly or disappeared within days or within the first 3 months postoperatively. An increased susceptibility to respiratory infections was observed in long-term follow-up.

Conclusions: Aortopexy can be performed with no mortality and low morbidity. Aortopexy is effective to prevent further life-threatening apneas, but does not prevent an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

PubMed Disclaimer