Recent experience with esophageal atresia

Abstract

A nine-year experience with esophageal atresia of all types is described with current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and long-term results. During this time, 53 neonates with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula had a 93% survival, with four deaths in risk group C. Temporary postoperative morbidity related to the anastomosis occurred in ten patients. All patients had some disturbance in esophageal motility. While all have been studied for gastroesophageal reflux, only five had significant reflux, and four required fundoplication. Five patients with isolated esophageal atresia survived staged repair, and an additional five patients with H-type fistulae survived primary repair, including one with a long tracheoesophageal cleft. Despite the fact that 45% of the 63 patients had significant associated anomalies, initial survival was 93.5% and late survival 91%. Long-term functional results were generally satisfactory.