Acupuncture for Dysphagia after Surgery for Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Case Report

Abstract A 5-month plus 2-week-old male infant underwent esophageal atresia(EA) with tracheoesophageal fistula(TEF) repair, dysphagia gradually aggravated after EA repair, the patient occurred frequent choke and cough, vomiting aroused in the case of eating a little faster, anorexia and impatience were manifested. Based on the history of preterm birth, clinical symptoms and signs, chest CT, and barium swallow radiography of digestive tract, the patient was clearly diagnosed with EA/TEF (IIIA). Dysphagia soon followed after thoracoscopic surgery, he was diagnosed as dysphagia. Acupuncture was applied at bilateral Fēngchi(风池GB20), Lianquan(廉泉CV23), Tiāntū(天突CV 22), Zhōngwǎn(中脘CV12) and bilateral Zusānli (足三里ST36). The needles were retained for 20 minutes per session, treatments were scheduled on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, three times a week, the duration was 4 weeks. After acupuncture treatment, the patient basically had no choke, cough, anorexia and impatience. The total time of food intake was significantly shortened than before. Except for special food restrictions, the modified functional oral intake scale was evaluated as level 6. Acupuncture might be a beneficial option for the treatment of complications after EA repair.