WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

Sajad Wani, Nour Eddine Bouhadiba, noora alshawani, Guy Brisseau, Hassan baghazal

Sidra Medicine, Qatar

Purpose: Iatrogenic neonatal esophageal perforation (NEP) is rare but life-threatening with mortality varies from 20 to 30%. Management oftens involves nil by mouth, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, steriods and chest drain insertion if needed. The aim of this study is to report the safety and effectiveness of orogastric tube insertion with immediate tube feeding in neonatal esophageal perforation.

Methods: All neonates with iatrogenic esophageal perforation were included in this study from January 2022 to Feberuary 2025. In all cases 5 or 6 F orogastric tube was inserted and its position in stomach was confirmed by contrast in stomach. Feeding was started immediately through the tube. Antibiotics were given in all cases. After 10 days of orogastric tube insertion, esophagogram was done to confirm the healing of perforation.

Results: six cases with iatrogenic esophageal perforation were managed with orogastric tube insertion and immediate feeding through the tube. Non of the patient had received parenteral nutrition. All cases healed well without any mortality.

Conclusion: Orogastric tube insertion and immediate feeding through the tube is simple, safe and effective management of NEP. Parenteral nutrition and its cost and associated complications can be avoided with this simple and safe approach.