Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula in neonates: evolution of a technique

Abstract

Advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and instruments for neonates have allowed even the most complex neonatal procedures to be endoscopically approached. In 1999, the first successful thoracoscopic repair of an esophageal atresia (EA) was performed in a 2-month-old infant. One year later, the first totally thoracoscopic repair of an atresia with distal fistula (tracheo-esophageal fistula [TEF]) was realized in a newborn. Over the ensuing 10 years, this technique was used and modified by a single surgeon in 49 consecutive patients. Overall, 43 patients with TEF and 6 with pure EA were repaired by using a thoracoscopic approach. An additional 3 patients with H-type TEF were also thoracoscopically treated. Weight ranged from 1.2 to 3.8 kg. Operative time ranged from 50 to 120 minutes. In fact, 48 out of 49 were successfully completed thoracoscopically. There were 2 patients with leaks that resolved with conservative management. Thirty percent of patients required at least one dilatation, but this number dropped to less than 10% in the second half of the series. There were no deaths and no recurrent fistula. Thoracoscopic TEF repair has proved to be an effective and safe technique. Evolution of the technique has resulted in fewer complications while avoiding the significant short- and long-term morbidity associated with thoracotomy in neonates.