Congenital oesophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants

Abstract

Deiraniya, A. K. (1974).Thorax, 29, 720-725. Congenital oesophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants. Two cases of distal oesophageal obstruction due to tracheobronchial remnant after the successful treatment of proximal oesophageal atresia with an associated tracheo-oesophageal fistula are reported. This association of congenital distal oesophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnant with oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula has not previously been reported in the literature. The diagnosis should be suspected in cases of distal oesophageal obstruction presenting in childhood or adult life with a history dating back to infancy or childhood. Radiologically a short stenotic non-relaxing segment is the hallmark. There is no hiatus hernia and no gastro-oesophageal reflux. Surgical excision is recommended and can be achieved easily through a thoracic approach. Dilatation is difficult, at times impossible and occasionally hazardous, and any benefit is transient. Excision of the stenotic segment with primary end-to-end anastomosis is the method of choice and almost always possible.