Azygos vein preservation is feasible and beneficial in esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Esophageal atresia (EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a common congenital anomaly. It is still unknown whether azygos vein preservation will increase the difficulty or time of operation and reduce the quality of anastomosis. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the puzzle. Methods: Two researchers independently searched the databases. Randomized controlled trials were included if these studies applied thoracotomy to perform operations and compared the outcomes in patients with EA/TEF between azygos vein preservation groups and azygos vein ligation groups. The Jadad score was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I-2 value. A fixed or random-effect model was applied regarding the I-2 value. Results: Four studies involving 286 patients were included. The pooled estimates indicated that preservation of the azygos vein decreased the incidence of anatomic leakage with a pooled risk ratio (RR) of 0.54 (95% CI 0.29-0.99, P = 0.05) and mortality with an RR of 0.51 (95% CI 0.29-0.90; P = 0.02). Preservation of the azygos vein might not require a longer operative time than ligation of the azygos vein. Conclusions: This research certifies that preservation of the azygos vein is able to reduce the prevalence of anastomotic leakage and mortality.