Thoracoscopic elongation of the esophagus in long gap esophageal atresia

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 42; no. 10; pp. 1785 - 1788
• Main Authors: van der Zee, David C, Vieirra-Travassos, Daisy, Kramer, William L.M, Tytgat, Stefaan H.A.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2007
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical - methods; Dyspnea; Esophageal Atresia - pathology; Esophageal Atresia - surgery; Esophagoplasty - methods; Female; Gastrostomy; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases - surgery; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Ligation - methods; Long gap esophageal atresia; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Pediatrics; Postoperative Complications - etiology; Postoperative Complications - surgery; Surgery; Suture Techniques; Thoracoscopic repair; Thoracoscopy; Tracheoesophageal Fistula - etiology; Tracheoesophageal Fistula - surgery; Traction sutures; Traction sutures; Thoracoscopic repair; Long gap esophageal atresia
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.06.023

Abstract Long gap esophageal atresia in which a primary anastomosis cannot be achieved remains a challenge. Elongation of the esophagus by traction on the 2 ends has been previously described. With the advent of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia, there have thus far been no reports of thoracoscopic repair of long gap esophageal atresia. This paper describes the first successful repair of long gap esophageal atresia by thoracoscopic traction of the 2 esophageal ends and delayed thoracoscopic anastomosis.