Endoscopic Closure of Tracheoesophageal Fistulas in Pediatric Patients

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A Corcoran et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;82:828–839. Endoscopic tracheoesophageal fistula closure—Electrocautery combined with esophageal clip application in pediatric patients

This retrospective study with 15 patients shows the feasibility of endoscopic closure of tracheoesophageal fistulas (TEFs) in pediatric patients by a highly-specialized multidisciplinary team.

Background: Surgical repair of esophageal atresia (EA) is usually completed in infancy, yet TEF can still be identified later in life. These late-presenting fistulas fall into three general categories .5 First, true recurrences arise when the original site of TEF ligation breaks down, resulting in reformation of the fistula at the prior repair site. These occur in approximately 5%–10% of patients. Second, missed congenital fistulas were present at birth but went undetected during the initial evaluation or operation…Third, acquired fistulas can develop de novo in children without a history of EA, typically resulting from chronic inflammation and tissue breakdown due to an inciting injury, prolonged infection, or a retained foreign body. In children with repaired EA, similar fistulas may develop along a new tract months or years after surgery, often arising from the same underlying mechanisms.

Open repair of TEF can be a technically challenging operation, and depending on the location, it requires re-do thoracotomy or neck dissection. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with these open surgical approaches, there has been a growing trend toward endoscopic repair of recurrent, acquired and missed congenital TEF.4–9 

Key findings:

  • in 14 patients, 14 of 15 fistulas were closed successfully
  • Ten TEF were closed with electrocautery and esophageal clip placement while five were closed with cautery alone

Discussion Points:

  • Repeated procedures are often necessary to both achieve and ensure closure for endoscopically treated TEFs.

My take (borrowed from authors): Endoscopic closure using “electrocautery with or without esophageal clip application is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment for all types of TEFs…While especially valuable for patients who are poor surgical candidates due to comorbidities, this approach may also be considered as a first-line option prior to surgical intervention in select cases.”

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View from Victoria Island near Bariloche, Argentina

Humor: MAHAspital

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This satire is particularly amusing for those who have watched “The Pitt.” Unfortunately, many of the health care policy changes under this administration will cause harm here and throughout the world for decades.

3/14/26 SNL: MAHAspital

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Reimbursement Reduction for Gastroenterology Practices

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JA Busam, ED Shah. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2026; 24: 281-284. A Decade of Decreasing Reimbursement Strains Gastroenterology Practices and Threatens Their Independence

Background: “Over the past decade, a remarkable number of independent community gastroenterologists became part of larger groups, primarily due to financial concerns. Although the number of gastroenterologists increased between 2012 and 2020, the number of associated practices decreased by more than 650 (14%), with the number of physicians practicing in groups of less than 10 decreasing by nearly 1500 (35%).1 Simultaneously, the number of self-employed physicians decreased,2 while the number of hospital-employed and private equity affiliated physicians increased.3,4 Surveys of practices engaged in such consolidative behavior most often cite financial uncertainty given increased costs, decreased revenues, and continuing regulatory pressures, along with personal financial gains, as important motivations.5,6“

Methods: The authors examine how “Medicare reimbursement has affected independent, community practices over time, with a particular emphasis on hourly rates to account for any efficiencies in endoscopic procedure times over the past decade…[using] multiple datasets from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).”

Key finding:

  • “All major endoscopic procedures investigated brought in decreased associated professional revenue between 2014 and 2024 per unit billed. Most procedures saw a reduction between 30% and 40% in the amount of cash brought into the practice per procedure”
  • “Although independent practices faced tough decisions due to these trends, other health care stakeholders benefited. Concurrently, facility revenues, medical complexity,13 overall health expenditures,14 drug prices,15 and pharmacy benefit manager profits16 all increased, the latter by approximately 80%”

My take: This small study shows how “independent gastroenterology practice reimbursement decreased substantially since 2014 despite increasing patient complexity and capital flows into health care, threatening the viability of many community practices.” 

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Baby-Led Weaning and Less Picky Eaters

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FDMG Layug-Dionglay et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;82:801–811. Open Access! The association of baby‐led weaning and picky eating in children aged 2–5 years

Background: Baby‐led weaning (BLW) has emerged over the past decade as an alternative approach to traditional spoon‐feeding. BLW encourages infants to self‐feed nutritious whole foods during family mealtimes, without any pressure. It emphasizes infant autonomy over what, how much, and how quickly to eat from the foods offered.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Metro Manila, Philippines (n=284)

Key findings:

  • Children who underwent strict BLW had a 95.4% lower likelihood of picky eating versus traditionally spoon-fed peers (p < 0.01)

Discussion points:

  • “In this study, picky eaters demonstrated a similar profile: Higher Food Avoidance traits (slowness in eating, satiety responsiveness, emotional undereating), and lower Food Approach traits (enjoyment of food, food responsiveness).”
  • “Strict BLW showed the lowest likelihood of picky eating, suggesting that the positive outcomes of the BLW approach requires consistent self-feeding of at least 90% of the time to experience its best effects. Meanwhile, BLW 51%–90% of the time (Predominant BLW) showed 55% lower likelihood.”
  • Limitation: “This study’s cross-sectional research design limits causal inference. Reverse causation is possible.”

My take: Allowing infants to self-feed likely reduces the tendency towards picky eating.

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A small section of Iguazu Falls

Variance with Guidelines in Hepatic Hemangiomas

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TL Mosher et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;82:765–769. Guidance adherence in the evaluation and management of hepatic hemangiomas in infants and children

Background: Hepatic hemangiomas are one of the visceral hemangiomas that can be seen and are categorized as infantile or congenital.1, 2 Infantile hepatic hemangiomas (IHH) develop in the first weeks-to-months of life, reach peak size typically by 3 months and often spontaneously involute without medical management within 1–2 years.3 Congenital hepatic hemangiomas (CHH) are present at birth and may rapidly involute, partially involute, or remain static for life.

Guidelines for screening with imaging and laboratory evaluation have been previously published and highlight differences between IHH and CHH.2 (Reference: Iacobas I, Phung TL, Adams DM, et al. Guidance document for hepatic hemangioma (infantile and congenital) evaluation and monitoring. J Pediatr. 2018; 203: 294-300 e2).” Screening with blood counts, fibrinogen, liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), thyroid function tests (TFTs), should be performed at diagnosis for both types of hemangiomas with frequency of repeat testing depending on whether IHH or CHH is diagnosed.2 Echocardiogram at diagnosis should be considered in both if patients have symptoms of cardiac failure. Serial monitoring with liver ultrasounds for at least 1 year or until stable size and vascularity twice in a row is recommended for CHH whereas continued monitoring with ultrasound until complete involution is recommended for IHH.2“

Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review with 64 patients

Key findings:

  • 29 (46%) had CHH and 34 (54%) had IHH
  • In those 47 patients who were monitored clinically, 62% (n = 29/47) had ALT/AST collected whereas only 51% (n = 24/47) TSH/FT4, 55% (n = 26/47) AFP, and only 26% (n = 12/47) had an INR drawn. Only about one-third (28%, n = 13/47) had a screening echocardiogram performed during evaluation
  • When comparing across hemangioma type, patients with CHH were significantly less likely than those with IHH to have TSH/FT4 (26% vs. 75%, p < 0.001) or AFP (39% vs. 71%, p = 0.002) drawn
  • Sixteen patients (25%), 6 with CHH and 10 with IHH, required active management.
    • Among CHH patients, one (17%) received propranolol prior to transfer to our institution, two (33%) underwent embolization, one (17%) surgical resection, and two (33%) required multiple modalities (i.e., surgery plus embolization). Two patients with CHH receiving multiple treatment modalities developed multi-system organ failure and died.
    • Among IHH patients, most patients (90%) received propranolol and one (10%) underwent surgical resection.

Discussion Points:

“Current guidance recommends screening for the complications of hepatic hemangiomas, particularly in patients with diffuse or multifocal hemangiomas, as they are at increased risk for heart failure and hypothyroidism.”

“Current guidance recommends monitoring of hepatic hemangiomas until complete involution of the hemangioma is documented.2, 10 These recommendations are in place given the devastating sequelae that can develop in patients with proliferation of hemangiomas that may be missed when not evaluated with serial abdominal imaging.”

My take: This study shows that about 25% of these patients require medical intervention and is a good reminder of the recommended evaluations.

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Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension

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C Jarasvaraparn, et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;82:751–759. Clinical presentation, management, and outcomes for noncirrhotic portal hypertension in children

Background: Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a rare condition marked by elevated portal venous pressure in the absence of cirrhosis and is caused by intrahepatic and extrahepatic pathways. NCPH is more common in Eastern countries than in Western countries. In the East, infectious diseases, particularly schistosomiasis in Africa, and poor socioeconomic conditions leading to chronic abdominal infections, are significant contributing factors. On the other hand, Western countries see a higher prevalence of NCPH linked to hypercoagulable disorders and potential genetic predispositions.

Methods: This was a  single-center retrospective study of 63 pediatric patients form 2000-2024.

Key findings:

  • The three most common etiologies included extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) in 27 (42.8%), congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) in 17 (27%), and nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in 10 (15.9%). 6 (9.5%) patients had idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension
  • Most patients presented with incidental splenomegaly (20; 32%) or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (20; 32%)
  • Mortality was seen in 5% of children in this series

My take: More than two decades ago, a patient was referred to me with dyspnea as the pulmonologist suspected that this was due to portal hypertension/hepatopulmonary syndrome. Ultimately, after evaluation by a colleague, she was diagnosed with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension and underwent a successful liver transplantation. This condition is very difficult to diagnose if you are unaware of its existence.

Fatigue in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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MD Stutvoet et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026;82:699–707. Open Access! Fatigue in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: Explained by transdiagnostic and disease-focused factors

Methods: “The PROactive cohort is a longitudinal study that collects transdiagnostic patient-reported outcomes on fatigue, daily life participation, and psychosocial well-being in children with chronic conditions. It is based at the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital in the Netherlands.” this study enrolled 127 patients with IBD.

Key findings:

  • Fatigue is highly prevalent in pediatric IBD, with 29% of patients reporting severe fatigue—despite most being in clinical remission
  • 78% of variance in fatigues explained by transdiagnostic lifestyle, psychological and social factors
Fatigue prevalence in pediatric IBD. For reference, fatigue prevalence measured using the same “general fatigue” subscale of the MFS-GCS is also shown for other chronic childhood diseases15 and the general Dutch population.19 

Discussion Points:

  • “Clinical disease activity was significantly associated with fatigue in univariate analysis (p < 0.01). This is consistent with earlier studies showing modest associations between clinical disease activity and fatigue2–4, 33–35 and no association with biochemical markers such as FC, CRP, and anemia.2–4, 11, 35 The discrepancy between clinical and biological markers may reflect the inclusion of functional limitations in the clinical disease activity scores, and their weak correlation with measures of biological disease activity as FC.36… Taken together, the association with clinical disease activity shows that fatigue may be closely linked to perceived disease-related limitations rather than inflammatory activity alone.”
  • “Transdiagnostic factors—including depressive symptoms, poor sleep, and social functioning—were strongly associated with fatigue, consistent with previous findings in pediatric IBD cohorts,3, 4, 33 and other chronic diseases.14, 16…Our results emphasize the complex interactions among psychosocial factors and support a more integrative approach to fatigue assessment. “

My take (borrowed in part from the authors): “While disease activity may initially precipitate fatigue, other factors—such as poor sleep or school pressure—can perpetuate it, even after inflammation resolves.”

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2026 Review: Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGIDs)

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P Visaggi, ES Dellon. Gastroenterology 2026;170:476–494. Open Access! Epidemiology, Natural History, and Treatment of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Diagnosis:

  • EoE is diagnosed in the setting of symptoms of esophageal dysfunction, demonstration of at
    least 15 eosinophils per high-power field (eos/hpf) on esophageal biopsy, and exclusion of competing causes of esophageal eosinophilia. At the time of diagnosis, disease severity can be assessed with the Index of Severity for EoE (I-SEE)
  • Non-EoE EGIDs: the diagnostic process is more challenging and pediatric diagnostic guidelines were only published in 2024…biopsy specimen shows pathologically elevated
    levels of GI tract eosinophils, and other conditions that cause GI eosinophilia are excluded…Symptoms are nonspecific, multiple conditions could explain extraesophageal eosinophilia, inflammation can involve muscular and serosal layers rather than mucosal,

Treatment:

  • EoE: PPIs, Swallowed topical corticosteroids, Monoclonal antibodies and food elimination dets
  • Non-EoE EGIDs: “The management of non-EoE EGIDs is challenging due to lack of established end points, validated outcomes, and of successful RCTs leading to approved treatments. Accordingly, management of non-EoE EGIDs is currently based on low-quality evidence.” Main treatments: corticosteroids (prednisone or budesonide), food elimination diets, and monoclonal antibodies (eg. dupilumab). “The use of PPIs, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors, and immunomodulators for non-EoE EGIDs has been reported,
    with variable results.”

My take: This is a useful review with a number of pointers for epidemiology, natural history, evaluation and management of EoE and Non-EoE EGIDs.

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Biliary Atresia Online Screening Tool

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There is a new free screening tool, BiliScreen.org, which helps pediatricians triage patients for followup labs and/or hepatology referral. This site incorporates the recent AAP guidelines (see below) for evaluation.

Screenshots from website:

My take:

  • Overall, this is a quick easy tool which should be helpful & I recommend sharing this website with pediatricians/pediatric health providers
  • A potential improvement to the site would be a section with an explanation of other causes/consequences of cholestasis which could require more urgent evaluation (eg. metabolic diseases, vitamin K deficiency)

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Rashelle Berry: From Tube to Taste

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We had a terrific lecture given to our group by Rashelle Berry. She is a pediatric dietitian specializing in feeding disorders, enteral nutrition, and tube weaning. She practices within the Feeding Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, partnering closely with a wide variety of disciplines to care for children with significant feeding challenges and GI-related nutrition concerns. My notes below may contain errors in transcription and in omission.

Key Points:

  • Families expectations are often at odds with dealing with tube feeding which makes it more difficult
  • Parents have strong desire to achieve all oral feedings and often look for advice outside of clinical visits
  • Hunger alone is not sufficient to transition off tube feedings
  • Prior to attempts to stop tube feedings, it is important to assess safety and to align feeding patterns to be more physiologic. This includes offering feeds via bolus typically every 3 hours and stopping continuous feedings
  • Hyperosmolar feedings can contribute to GI symptoms
  • Changing formula to improve tolerance can result in quick symptom improvement (1-2 days)
  • Many children with tube feedings are overfed. This can contribute to poor hunger as well as initial weight loss when transitioning off tube feeds
  • Two main options to advance oral feedings: 1. Offer oral feeds prior to tube feeds and reduce tube feedings based on oral intake 2. Plan to reduce tube feedings by a set amount, typically 10-30% and follow to see if oral intake improves
  • Expect some weight loss during transition; if mild weight loss, most often continue to follow closely
In Step 2, these are some of the aspects indicating tolerance

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