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. 2024 Feb;59(2):187-191.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.10.014. Epub 2023 Oct 17.

What Proportion of Children With Complex Oesophageal Atresia Require Oesophageal Lengthening Procedures?

Laura Phillips  1 , Bruce Jaffray  2
Affiliations

What Proportion of Children With Complex Oesophageal Atresia Require Oesophageal Lengthening Procedures?

Laura Phillips et al. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Babies with oesophageal atresia (OA) who cannot achieve a primary anastomosis (complex OA) may be treated by attempted oesophageal lengthening. We contrast reported outcomes of lengthening with our experience of managing complex OA.

Patients and methods: A consecutive series treated in an English regional centre was completed. Outcomes of interest were the rate of retention of the native oesophagus, complications requiring thoracotomy, rates of anastomotic leak, stricture, fundoplication, and mortality. Possible explanatory variables were the surgical techniques applied.

Results: 29/215 (13%) OA were complex, and 25/207 survived to repair. 14/25 (56%) had no distal fistula, pure OA, while 11/25 (44%) had a long gap with distal fistula. 18/25 (72%) had delayed primary anastomosis, while 7/25 (28%) required oesophageal replacement. However, 2 of the replacements were salvage procedures following failed traction. Only 4/207 (2%) of OA were potentially treatable by traction. Salvage surgery was required in 2/23 (9%) complex OA not subjected to lengthening. The native oesophagus was retained without utilising lengthening in 200/207 (97%). Amongst complex OA where traction techniques had not been attempted, the native oesophagus was retained in 18/23 (78%) of cases, with median time to oesophageal continuity of 77 days. There was no in hospital mortality following treatment of complex OA, and overall survival was identical to non-complex OA among cases surviving to anastomosis.

Discussion: Management of complex OA without lengthening procedures leads a similar rate of retention of the native oesophagus as reports describing lengthening, but with significantly less morbidity. We see little need for oesophageal lengthening in the management of complex OA.

Level of evidence: IV.

Keywords: Complex oesophageal atresia; Long gap; Oesophageal atresia; Oesophageal lengthening; Oesophageal replacement.

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