Chest Physiotherapy in Newborns after Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Atresia: The Alternative of Ventilatory Support in Madagascar

Abstract

Because the thoracotomy is realized for surgical treatment of esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheal fistula (TF), postoperative respiratory complications are often observed. These complications may be poorly tolerated by neonates because of their age and their respiratory dynamics and airways physiological characteristics. Physiotherapy is regularly prescribed for optimizing airways efficiency; but very few studies demonstrate its effectiveness.1–3 The expected benefits are both prevention and treatment of respiratory complications, frequently observed after thoracic surgery. The aim of respiratory physiotherapy, from the newborn to the child is to limit or even to avoid bronchial congestion, which is a source of alveolar hypoventilation and atelectasis.