Development of a multidisciplinary aerodigestive program: An institutional experience
Development of a multidisciplinary aerodigestive program: An institutional experience
Abstract
Introduction: Aerodigestive program is a multidisciplinary program that diagnoses and treats pediatric patients with complex multi-systematic problems affecting airway, breathing, feeding, swallowing, and/or growth. We share our experience in the implementation of an aerodigestive team (ADT) and aim to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness by analyzing the current situation in our hospital. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted for the patients discussed at the monthly ADT meeting of Severance Children’s Hospital from November 2018 to June 2020. Result: A total of 98 children were referred to the ADT during the study period. The number of cases has increased steadily, from 3.5 cases per month in 2019 and 8.5 cases per month in 2020. Patients’ median age was 34.5 months, and 55% were male. Among chronic comorbidities, neurologic diseases was the most common (85%), followed by respiratory (36%), and cardiac disorders (13%). The common reason for consultation was suspected aspiration (56%), respiratory difficulty (44%), drooling or stertor (29%), regurgitation or vomiting (18%) and feeding or swallowing difficulty (17%). Total 93 video fluoroscopic swallowing studies and 73 cases of chest computer tomography, 71 esophagography, 67 multichannel impedance-pH monitoring, 65 laryngoscopies and 39 bronchoscopies were performed for diagnostic purpose. Following in-depth discussions, 58 patients were received active interventions, including fundoplication surgery (39.7%), gastrostomy formation (31.0%), laryngomicrosurgery (17.2%), tracheostomy (6.9%), and primary dilatation for the airway (5.2%). By the questionnaire for assessing the caregiver’s satisfaction, a majority answered that the main symptoms and quality of life had been improved (88%), with the burden of caregiver decreased (77%). From the questionnaire for the medical staff, all practitioners reported improvement in awareness for patients’ problems as well as treatment quality. Conclusion: Aerodigestive program may provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary management for children with complex airway and digestive tract disorders.