ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of Patients with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Perioperative, Surgical, and Long-Term Management

Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes

Esophageal atresia is a congenital disease that results in discontinuity of the esophagus and can occur with or without fistulous connections to the trachea. It is often associated with other anomalies and has multiple long-term health implications. Because of the complexity of care involved in affected children, it is important to diagnose this lesion as early as possible. Surgical repair via either anastomosis of the native esophagus or reconstruction using either the stomach or intestine if this is not possible remain the mainstays of therapy, although variations in technique prevail. In this review, we summarize the approach to diagnosis, preoperative management considerations, surgical approach, medical considerations, and long-term outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia.

Medical Costs of Patients Undergoing Esophageal Atresia Repair are Mainly Influenced by Associated Malformations

BACKGROUND

 Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare disease requiring surgical repair, usually within the first days of life. Patients with EA require intensive postoperative care and often have comorbidities. There is a lack of data on the costs incurred by patients with EA during the first year of life.

METHODS

 Anonymized claims data were provided by the Techniker Krankenkasse (∼10.8 million clients). Data were extracted for patients who had an inpatient diagnosis of EA (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]: Q39.0 or Q39.1) and a reconstruction of the esophageal passage in case of atresia (Operationen-und Prozedurenschlüssel [German version of ICPM, International Classification of Procedures in Medicine; OPS] 5-428.0 to 5-428.7, 5-316.1 or 5-431.0) during their first hospital stay. All patients were in their first year of life at initial hospitalization (2016-2020) and were followed up for 1 year. Costs, length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation and differentiated OPS services were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the determinants of hospital costs.

RESULTS

 A total of 119 patients with EA were included (55.5% male). The mean cost of the 1-year observation period was €89,736 ± 97,419 (range €12,755-640,154). The increasing costs of the initial hospitalization led to a disproportionate increase in the costs of the 1-year observation period. The presence of an associated malformation combined with surgical complications was associated with almost five-fold higher costs than in patients without an associated malformation and an uncomplicated course (€193,103 ± 157,507 vs. €39,846 ± 33,473). The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 23.2 ± 43.1 days and the mean length of hospital stay was 80.3 ± 77.2 days.

CONCLUSION

 To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the costs of EA patients in the first year of life. The presence of an associated malformation combined with surgical complications was associated with almost five-fold higher costs than in patients without an associated malformation and an uncomplicated course.

Preservation of the azygos vein versus ligation of the azygos vein during primary surgical repair of congenital esophageal atresia

BACKGROUND

Esophageal atresia is one of the most common life-threatening congenital malformations and is defined as an interruption in the continuity of the esophagus with or without fistula to the trachea or bronchi. Definitive treatment is surgical ligation of the fistula if present and esophageal end-to-end anastomosis of the two pouches, thereby reconstructing the continuity of the esophagus. During this procedure, the surgeon may choose to either ligate or preserve the azygos vein, a major draining vein for the esophagus and surrounding structures, but no definitive consensus on the matter exists.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of preservation of the azygos vein versus ligation of the azygos vein during primary surgical repair of congenital esophageal atresia.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified trials from the Cochrane Gut Specialized Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via Ovid Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews Database (EBMR), MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature). We also conducted a search of ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, Science Citation Index Expanded and Conference Proceedings Citation Index - Science (Web of Science), and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We searched all databases from their inception to 22 May 2024, with no restriction on language of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing preservation of the azygos vein versus ligation of the azygos vein during primary surgical repair of congenital esophageal atresia in infants less than three months of age.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Pairs of two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts, screened relevant full-text reports, and identified RCTs for inclusion. We recorded the selection process in a PRISMA flow diagram. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies (using RoB 2) and the certainty of the evidence (using the GRADE approach) according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We contacted the study authors if data were missing or unclear.

MAIN RESULTS

Six trials met the inclusion criteria, including 390 participants in total. We were able to assess all our primary outcomes: all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, and anastomosis leakage, as well as two of our three secondary outcomes: sepsis or mediastinitis and esophageal stricture. However, none of the six trials assessed recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. All trials had either some concerns or high risk of bias, and the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes was either low or very low. Meta-analyses showed that preservation of the azygos vein may result in a large reduction in mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26 to 0.73; low-certainty evidence), serious adverse events (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.50; very low-certainty evidence), and anastomosis leakage (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.76; low-certainty evidence) when compared to ligation of the azygos vein in neonates undergoing primary surgical repair of congenital esophageal atresia. Meta-analysis of our secondary outcomes showed that preservation of the azygos vein may result in a large reduction in mediastinitis or sepsis (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.53; very low-certainty evidence). Esophageal stricture was only reported in two studies with 114 participants. The effects on esophageal stricture were unclear (RR 0.75, 96% CI 0.35 to 1.63; very low-certainty evidence), but the evidence is very uncertain.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence suggests that preserving the azygos vein during primary surgical repair for esophageal atresia may result in large reductions in overall mortality, serious adverse events, anastomosis leakage, and sepsis or mediastinitis. No included data suggested that routine ligation of the azygos vein was beneficial. However, all the evidence was of low to very low certainty. Further research is still warranted as the results of this review may not be applicable to all newborns with congenital esophageal atresia.

Parents caring and sham-feeding their child born with Esophageal atresia at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery

PURPOSE

For children with Esophageal atresia who have to wait for reconstructive surgery, long hospital stay, delayed introduction of oral feeds and hampered oro-motor function has traditionally been draw-backs for this treatment as the patients have minimal training of oro-motor function while waiting for surgery. In this paper, we present the concept of sham-feed at home awaiting reconstructive surgery with the aim to obliviate these problems. The aim was to describe the characteristics of patients with Esophageal atresia waiting for reconstructive surgery sham-feeding at home by their parents and further describe adverse events that arose.

METHODS

The study is a retrospective descriptive single center study on all children with a delayed reconstruction of Esophageal atresia who was sham-fed by their parents at home before reconstructive surgery between January 2010 and January 2023 at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm.

RESULTS

Nine patients where home waiting for reconstructive surgery for a median of 72 days. No adverse events were reported related to the sham-feed procedure at home. The children had reconstructive surgery at a median 120 days of age. Five of the children ate full meals orally day 8-27 after surgery. Two children ate fully before 1 year after surgery. Two children had surgery less than 1 year ago and were not eating fully orally at the time of data collection.

CONCLUSION

Sham-feeding at home by the parents was safe and feasible with the benefits of a prolonged time out of hospital awaiting reconstructive surgery.

Approaches to nutrition and feeding in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

In patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia1, nutrition can represent a challenge both in the short and long term. Its failure to resolve can have a significant impact on multiple aspects of the lives of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), ranging from lung function to neurodevelopment. In this review, we will describe the causes of nutritional problems in patients with CDH, their consequences, and possible strategies to address them.

Major surgical conditions of childhood and their lifelong implications: comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the survival of children with congenital anomalies and paediatric cancer has improved dramatically such that there has been a steady shift towards understanding their lifelong health outcomes. Paediatric surgeons will actively manage such conditions in childhood and adolescence, however, adult surgeons must later care for these 'grown-ups' in adulthood. This article aims to highlight some of those rare disorders encountered by paediatric surgeons requiring long-term follow-up, their management in childhood and their survivorship impact, in order that the adult specialist may be better equipped with skills and knowledge to manage these patients into adulthood.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify relevant publications. Research studies, review articles and guidelines were sought, focusing on the paediatric management and long-term outcomes of surgical conditions of childhood. The article has been written for adult surgeon readership.

RESULTS

This article describes the aforementioned conditions, their management in childhood and their lifelong implications, including: oesophageal atresia, tracheo-oesophageal fistula, malrotation, short bowel syndrome, duodenal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, choledochal malformations, biliary atresia, Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital lung lesions and paediatric cancer.

CONCLUSION

The increasing survivorship of children affected by surgical conditions will translate into a growing population of adults with lifelong conditions and specialist healthcare needs. The importance of transition from childhood to adulthood is becoming realized. It is hoped that this timely review will enthuse the readership to offer care for such vulnerable patients, and to collaborate with paediatric surgeons in providing successful and seamless transitional care.

Lessons Learned From the First-In-Human Compassionate Use of Connect-EA™ in Ten Patients With Esophageal Atresia

INTRODUCTION

Delayed primary repair of esophageal atresia in patients with high-risk physiologic and anatomic comorbidities remains a daunting challenge with an increased risk for peri-operative morbidity and mortality via conventional repair. The Connect-EA device facilitates the endoscopic creation of a secure esophageal anastomosis. This follow-up study reports our long-term outcomes with the novel esophageal magnetic compression anastomosis (EMCA) Connect-EA device for EA repair, as well as lessons learned from the ten first-in-human cases. We propose an algorithm to maximize the advantages of the device for EA repair.

METHODS

Under compassionate use approval, from June 2019 to December 2022, ten patients with prohibitive surgical or medical risk factors underwent attempted EMCA with this device. All patients underwent prior gastrostomy, tracheoesophageal fistula ligation (if necessary), and demonstrated pouch apposition prior to EMCA.

RESULTS

Successful device deployment and EMCA formation were achieved in nine patients (90%). Mean time to anastomosis formation was 8 days (range 5-14) and the device was retrieved endoscopically in five (56%) cases. At median follow-up of 22 months (range 4-45), seven patients (78%) are tolerating oral nutrition. Balloon dilations (median 4, range 1-11) were performed either prophylactically for radiographic asymptomatic anastomotic narrowing (n = 7, 78%) or to treat clinically-significant anastomotic narrowing (n = 2, 22%) with no ongoing dilations at 3-month follow up post-repair.

CONCLUSION

EMCA with the Connect-EA device is a safe and feasible minimally-invasive alterative for EA repair in high-risk surgical patients. Promising post-operative outcomes warrant further Phase I investigation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, Case series of novel operative technique without comparison group.

Parents' experiences of sham feeding their child with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting reconstructive surgery. A qualitative interview study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore parents' experience of sham feeding their baby born with esophageal atresia at home, waiting for reconstructive surgery.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of six children born with esophageal atresia waiting for delayed reconstruction. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Parents experienced that sham feed reinforced the healthy abilities in their baby. They had faith in their own ability as parents to care for their child as well as to see to their baby's strength to cope with difficulties. Parents expressed that the health care system can hinder as well as be a major support on their way to a more normal life at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery.

CONCLUSION

The experience of sham feeding at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery is characterized by positive aspects both for children born with esophageal atresia and their parents.

Thoracoscopic Stage Internal Traction Repair Reduces Time to Achieve Esophageal Continuity in Long Gap Esophageal Atresia

OBJECTIVE

 Management of long gap esophageal atresia (LGOA) is controversial. This study aims at comparing the management of LGOA between two high-volume centers.

METHODS

 We included patients with LGOA (type A and B) between 2008 and 2022. Demographics, surgical methods, and outcomes were collected and compared.

RESULTS

 The study population involved 28 patients in center A and 24 patients in center B. A surgical approach was thoracoscopic in center A, only for one patient was open for final procedure. In center B, 3 patients were treated only thoracoscopically, 2 converted to open, and 19 as open surgery. In center A primary esophageal anastomosis concerned 1 case, two-staged esophageal lengthening using external traction 1 patient, and 26 were treated with the multistaged internal traction technique. In 24 patients a full anastomosis was achieved: in 23 patients only the internal traction technique was used, while 1 patient required open Collis-Nissen procedure as final management. In center B primary anastomosis was performed in 7 patients, delayed esophageal anastomosis in 8 patients, esophageal lengthening using external traction in 1 case, and 9 infants required esophageal replacement with gastric tube. Analyzed postoperative complications included: early mortality, 2/28 due to accompanied malformations (center A) and 0/24 (center B); anastomotic leakage, 4/26 (center A) treated conservatively-all patients had a contrast study-and 0/24 (center B), 1 case of pleural effusion, but no routine contrast study; recurrent strictures, 13/26 (center A) and 7/15 (center B); and need for fundoplication, 5/26 (center A) and 2/15 (center B). Age at esophageal continuity was as a median of 31 days in center A and 110 days in center B. Median time between initial procedure and esophageal anastomosis was 11 days in center A and 92 days in center B.

CONCLUSION

 Thoracoscopic internal traction technique reduces time to achieve esophageal continuity and the need for esophageal substitution while maintaining a similar early complication rate.

I Walk the Line: Between Basic Science and Paediatric Surgery

The role of a basic scientist working with paediatric surgeons is not an obvious one. However, there are several levels at which science can contribute to the speciality, and also ways that scientists can learn useful lessons from paediatric surgery. As most conditions treated by paediatric surgeons have low case numbers, we need to find ways of defining optimal treatment and developing novel therapies within a challenging number of patients.

Prevalence of Mental Health Problems, Associated Factors, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) face a high risk of digestive and respiratory morbidity, but their mental health outcomes have not been investigated. We aimed to identify the prevalence of mental health problems in children with LGEA, associated factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

Twenty-six children with LGEA aged 3-17 were recruited nationwide in Sweden. One of their parents and adolescents aged 11-17 completed information on the child's mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire), generic (PedsQL 4.0) and condition-specific HRQOL (EA-QOL). Parents gave information on current child symptomatology. Mental health level was determined using validated norms; abnormal≥90 percentile/borderline≥80 percentile/normal. Elevated levels were considered borderline/abnormal. Data were analyzed using descriptives, correlation and Mann-Whitney-U test. Significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Twelve children with LGEA aged 3-17 (46%) had elevated scores of ≥1 mental health domain in parent-reports, whereas 2 adolescents (15%) in self-reports. In parent-reports, 31% of the children had elevated levels of peer relationship problems, with associated factors being child sex male (p = 0.037), airway infections (p = 0.002) and disturbed night sleep (p = 0.025). Similarly, 31% showed elevated levels of hyperactivity/inattention, and associated factors were male sex (p = 0.005), asthma (p = 0.028) and disturbed night sleep (p = 0.036). Elevated levels of emotional symptoms, seen in 20%, were related to swallowing difficulties (p = 0.038) and vomiting problems (p = 0.045). Mental health problems correlated negatively with many HRQOL domains (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with LGEA risk mental health difficulties according to parent-reports, especially peer relationship problems and hyperactivity/inattention, with main risk factors being male sex, airway problems and sleep disturbances. This should be considered in follow-up care and research, particularly since their mental health problems may impair HRQOL.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis study, LEVEL II.

Schooling experiences in children with long-gap esophageal atresia compared with children with esophageal atresia and primary anastomosis: a Swedish study

BACKGROUND

Children with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) risk living with aerodigestive morbidity and mental health difficulties. No previous study has investigated their experiences of schooling, despite the importance of schools in children's development, learning and social relationships. We aimed to describe experiences of schooling in children with LGEA in Sweden in comparison with children with EA who had primary anastomosis.

METHOD

Children with LGEA aged 3-17 were recruited nationwide in Sweden. One parent completed a survey on their child's school-based supports (according to definitions from the Swedish National Agency for Education), school absence, school satisfaction, school functioning (PedsQL 4.0), mental health (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) and current symptomatology. School data were compared between 26 children with LGEA to that from 95 children with EA who had PA, a hypothesized milder affected group. Mental health level was determined using validated norms; abnormal ≥ 90 percentile. Data were analyzed using descriptives, correlation and Mann-Whitney-U test. Significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Formal school-based support was reported in 17 (65.4%) children with LGEA and concerned support with nutritional intake (60%), education (50%) and medical/special health needs (35%). The prevalence of school-based support was significantly higher compared to children with PA overall (36.8%, p = 0.013) and regarding nutritional intake support (20%, p < 0.001). In children with LGEA, school-based support was related to low birth weight (p = 0.036), young child age (p = 0.014), height ≤ -2SD for age/sex (p = 0.024) and an increased number of aerodigestive symptoms (p < 0.05). All children with LGEA who had abnormal mental health scores had school-based support, except for one child. Nine children with LGEA (36%) had school absence ≥ 1times/month the past year, more frequently because of colds/airway infections (p = 0.045) and GI-specific problems compared to PA (p = 0.003). School functioning scores were not significantly different from children with PA (p = 0.34) but correlated negatively with school-based support (< 0.001) and school absence (p = 0.002). One parent out of 26 reported their child's school satisfaction as "not good".

CONCLUSIONS

Children with LGEA commonly receive school-based support, reflecting multifaceted daily needs and disease severity. School absence is frequent and related to poorer school functioning. Future research focusing on academic achievement in children with EA is needed.

Isoperistaltic gastric tube for long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) in newborn, infants, and toddlers: a case-control study from a tertiary center

Background

Limited evidence exists about outcomes after gastric tube formation as "rescue" technique to avoid esophageal replacement in long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA). The last ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of LGEA has placed the techniques of gastric tubulization among the priorities for future research.

Aims

Evaluate personal experience with Isoperistaltic Gastric Tube (IGT) and compare its outcomes with other more popular techniques for LGEA.

Methods

A case-control study has been conducted. A retrospective monocentric analysis of LGEA patients (period: 2010-19) has been conducted in all consecutive IGT patients and each of these has been type matched with two cases of LGEA treated with other techniques. The follow-up (FU) considered was 24-months.

Results

IGT and controls showed no statistically significant differences regarding preoperative variables like sex, gestational age, birth weight, syndromes, and EA type. However, IGT patients had a significantly longer esophageal GAP under boost pressure (4.5 vertebral bodies vs. 3.6, p = 0.019) at time of surgery. The analysis showed no statistical difference among the two groups about perioperative outcomes, ICU, or overall postoperative stay. No differences have been shown between IGT and controls during the follow-up regarding GERD, esophagitis, fundoplication, dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis, stenosis, and dilatations, auxologic data, need for anastomosis revision, oral aversion, and death.

Conclusions

Isoperistaltic Gastric Tube is safe and effective even in LGEA patients with longer gaps, with good perioperative, post-operative and middle-term outcomes. This procedure may be considered as an alternative to avoid esophageal substitution when a primary anastomosis seems impossible for a residual gap after traction and growth techniques.

Delayed primary repair in 100 infants with isolated long-gap esophageal atresia: A nationwide analysis of children's hospitals

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the contemporary surgical management of long-gap esophageal atresia, a rare and challenging problem managed by pediatric general surgeons.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the Pediatric Health Information System database for infants who underwent neonatal gastrostomy, followed by surgical reconstruction for long-gap esophageal atresia (2014-2021). Patients with birthweight less than 1.5 kg and those who received neonatal cardiac surgery were excluded. Outcomes were analyzed, including the need for further procedures, length of stay, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 1,346 infants who underwent repair across 47 major children's hospitals, 100 (7%) met the inclusion criteria for long-gap esophageal atresia. Cardiac anomalies were identified in 43% of patients. The median age at repair was 87 days (interquartile range, 62-133). Ten percent of patients had a planned or unplanned reoperation ≤30 days after index surgery, and 4% underwent reoperation at >30 days. The median time to reoperation was 9 days (interquartile range, 7-60). Mortality during index admission was 5%, and the median hospital length of stay was 143 days (interquartile range, 101-192). Length of stay was significantly longer in patients with cardiac anomalies (cardiac: 179 days, non-cardiac: 125 days; P < .001), and 52% of patients required at least 1 postoperative dilation. The median time to the first dilation was 70 days (interquartile range, 42-173).

CONCLUSION

This large multicenter study highlights the challenges of infants with long-gap esophageal atresia but suggests a high rate of successful delayed primary reconstruction. Hospitalizations are prolonged, and anastomotic stricture rates remain high. These data are useful for pediatric surgeons in counseling families on surgical repair strategy, timing, and postoperative outcomes.

Outcome of long gap esophageal atresia at 6 years: A prospective case control cohort study

BACKGROUND DATA

EA is the most frequent congenital esophageal malformation. Long gap EA remains a therapeutic challenge for pediatric surgeons. A case case-control prospective study from a multi-institutional national French data base was performed to assess the outcome, at age of 1 and 6 years, of long gap esophageal atresia (EA) compared with non-long gap EA/tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF). The secondary aim was to assess whether initial treatment (delayed primary anastomosis of native esophagus vs. esophageal replacement) influenced mortality and morbidity at ages 1 and 6 years.

METHODS

A multicentric population-based prospective study was performed and included all patients who underwent EA surgery in France from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. A comparative study was performed with non-long gap EA/TEF patients. Morbidity at birth, 1 year, and 6 years was assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients with long gap EA were compared with 62 non-long gap EA/TEF patients. At age 1 year, the long gap EA group had longer parenteral nutrition support and longer hospital stay and were significantly more likely to have complications both early post-operatively and before age 1 year compared with the non-long gap EA/TEF group. At 6 years, digestive complications were more frequent in long gap compared to non-long gap EA/TEF patients. Tracheomalacia was the only respiratory complication that differed between the groups. Spine deformation was less frequent in the long gap group. There were no differences between conservative and replacement groups at ages 1 and 6 years except feeding difficulties that were more common in the native esophagus group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long gap strongly influenced digestive morbidity at age 6 years.

The Role of Oral Feeding Time and Sham Feeding on Oropharyngeal Swallowing Functions in Children with Esophageal Atresia

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the role of oral feeding (OF) time and sham feeding (SF) on oral-pharyngeal swallowing functions in children with esophageal atresia (EA). Patients with EA were evaluated for age, sex, and types of atresia, time to start OF and surgical complications. Three to six weeks after full OF, videofluoroscopic swallowing evaluation (VFSE) was performed, and Penetration Aspiration Score (PAS, no aspiration = 1, penetration = 2-5, aspiration = 6-8), delay in swallowing reflex and residue after liquid and pudding consistency were noted. Patients were divided into three groups according to repair time; early primary repair (EPR, < 1 month of age), delayed primary repair (DPR, ≥ 1 month of age) and colonic interposition (CI). VFSE findings were compared between groups. In CI group, patients without aspiration in VFSE were encouraged to sham SF before CI. Patients with and without SF in CI group were also compared for oro-pharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). PAS scores were significantly higher in DPR (n = 13) group when compared to CI group (n = 12) in liquid swallowing (p = 0.032) and higher than EPR (n = 30) in pudding consistency (p = 0.03). Patients with CI showed significant OPD when compared to EPR (p = 0.017). Swallowing reflex delay was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). DPR group had significantly higher liquid residue at the level of vallecula (p = 0.028). The residue at other levels (oral, tongue base, pharyngeal wall and pyriform sinus) were similar in all groups in both liquid and pudding consistencies. There was no significant difference between sham-fed (n = 6) and not sham-fed (n = 6) infants in VFSE of OPD (p > 0.05). Patients with DPR without SF had significantly higher incidence of OPD and PAS scores when compared to EPR and CI. Although CI groups has the latest OF time, SF may improve oral motor abilities and cause better OF swallowing functions than patients with delayed repair.

Delayed primary anastomosis for repair of long-gap esophageal atresia: technique revisited

The operative management of patients born with long-gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) remains a major challenge for most pediatric surgeons, due to the rarity and complex nature of this malformation. In LGEA, the distance between the proximal and distal esophageal end is too wide, making a primary anastomosis often impossible. Still, every effort should be made to preserve the native esophagus as no other conduit can replace its function in transporting food from the oral cavity to the stomach satisfactorily. In 1981, Puri et al. observed that in newborns with LGEA spontaneous growth and hypertrophy of the two segments occur at a rate faster than overall somatic growth in the absence of any form of mechanical stretching, traction or bouginage. They further noted that maximal natural growth arises in the first 8-12 weeks of life, stimulated by the swallowing reflex and reflux of gastric contents into the lower esophageal pouch. Since then, creation of an initial gastrostomy and continuous suction of the upper esophageal pouch followed by delayed primary anastomosis at approximately 3 months of age has been widely accepted as the preferred treatment option in most LGEA cases, generally providing good functional results. The current article offers a comprehensive update on the various aspects and challenges of this technique including initial preoperative management and subsequent gap assessment, while also discussing potential postoperative complications and long-term outcome.

Short-term and mid-term effects of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia: No anastomotic leaks or conversions to open technique

The frequency rate of esophageal anastomosis leaks after thoracoscopic correction of esophageal atresia (EA) in the current literature is reported as 5.6%-24.7% and a conversion rate of 2%-53%. The objective of this retrospective study was to examine the characteristics of EA and analysis of the safety and efficacy of EA repair with the use of the thoracoscopic approach in a single academic center, as well as risk factors analysis in the context of short-term and mid-term follow-up status. A retrospective analysis of the management of all consecutive newborns affected by EA hospitalized in our department over a period between 2013 and 2022, including preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management, together with the outcome, complications and long-term follow-up status was performed. A total of 38 patients with a median birth weight of 2,570 g (range; 1,020-3,880) were treated over the study period, including 30/38 (78.9%) with additional congenital anomalies. Overall, 30 patients underwent primary anastomosis of the esophagus and eight underwent a multistaged procedure, with or without an initial ligation of the tracheoesophageal fistula and delayed primary anastomosis. Overall survival for all patients was 0.894 ± 0.050, with a median follow-up of 4.5 years. We noted neither anastomotic leaks nor conversions to open technique in our cohort. Implementation of vancomycin prophylaxis was successful in preventing postoperative central venous access-related infectious complications. At the end of the follow-up, 85% of patients have a Lansky performance score ≥80. Risk factors analysis for length of hospitalization, overall survival, Lansky performance status, and neurological impairment were analyzed. In conclusion, we have found that the outcome of thoracoscopic repair of EA in terms of surgery-dependent morbidity (anastomosis leakage, conversion rate to open surgery), provides benefit to those previously reported in the literature, regardless of the prognostic criteria of the classification system.

Utility of Functional Lumen Imaging Probe in Long-Term Follow-Up of Children with Esophageal Atresia: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Long term follow-up of patients with esophageal atresia (EA) may be hampered by esophageal dysmotility, which affects quality of life and might lead to late complications. The endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFlip™ Medtronic, Crospon Inc.) is an innovative diagnostic tool that assesses esophageal distensibility. Our aim was to report the use of EndoFlip™ in an EA follow-up, in order to describe distensibility patterns and to determine its possible role for functional evaluation of patients. We retrospectively collected data of EA patients, with a minimum follow-up of 9 years, who required endoscopic evaluation and underwent EndoFlip™. An adaptation of the Medtronic EF-322 protocol was applied and distensibility data were compared to those reported by Pandolfino et al. Nine patients (median age 13 years) were included in the study. The median minimum distensibility was 2.58 mm²/mmHg. Signs of peristalsis were observed in three patients. In one case, the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) after Toupet fundoplication showed low distensibility. EGJ distensibility values of 2.58 mm²/mmHg (median) confirmed both good esophagogastric continence and compliance. Esophagitis and absent peristalsis were found in one patient together with partial stenosis of the fundoplication, confirming the importance of surgical adaptation. Esophageal body distensibility was higher than that of the EGJ. Considering the presence of symptoms, the EndoFlip™ results seem to correlate better with the clinical picture. EndoFlip™ use was safe and feasible in children. It allowed for the measurement of esophageal distensibility and diameter and the acquisition of indirect information on motility with clinical implications. The routine use of EndoFlip™ could be part of EA follow-up, although considerable research is needed to correlate Endoflip™ system measurements to EA patient outcomes.

Postoperative morbidity and health-related quality of life in children with delayed reconstruction of esophageal atresia: a nationwide Swedish study

BACKGROUND

In 10-15% of children with esophageal atresia (EA) delayed reconstruction of esophageal atresia (DREA) is necessary due to long-gap EA and/or prematurity/low birth weight. They represent a patient subgroup with high risk of complications. We aimed to evaluate postoperative morbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a Swedish national cohort of children with DREA.

METHODS

Postoperative morbidity, age-specific generic HRQOL (PedsQL^™ 4.0) and condition-specific HRQOL (The EA-QOL questionnaires) in children with DREA were compared with children with EA who had primary anastomosis (PA). Factors associated with the DREA group's HRQOL scores were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman's rho. Clinical data was extracted from the medical records. Significance level was p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Thirty-four out of 45 families of children with DREA were included and 30 returned the questionnaires(n = 8 children aged 2-7 years; n = 22 children aged 8-18 years). Compared to children with PA(42 children aged 2-7 years; 64 children aged 8-18 years), there were no significant differences in most early postoperative complications. At follow-up, symptom prevalence in children aged 2-7 with DREA ranged from 37.5% (heartburn) to 75% (cough). Further digestive and respiratory symptoms were present in ≥ 50%. In children aged 8-18, it ranged from 14.3% (vomiting) to 40.9% (cough), with other digestive and airway symptoms present in 19.0-27.3%. Except for chest tightness (2-7 years), there were no significant differences in symptom prevalence between children with DREA and PA, nor between their generic or condition-specific HRQOL scores (p > 0.05). More children with DREA underwent esophageal dilatations (both age groups), gastrostomy feeding (2-7 years), and antireflux treatment (8-18 years), p < 0.05. Days to hospital discharge after EA repair and a number of associated anomalies showed a strong negative correlation with HRQOL scores (2-7 years). Presence of cough, airway infection, swallowing difficulties and heartburn were associated with lower HRQOL scores (8-18 years), p < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Although children with DREA need more treatments, they are not a risk group for postoperative morbidity and impaired HRQOL compared with children with PA. However, those with a long initial hospital stay, several associated anomalies and digestive or respiratory symptoms risk worse HRQOL. This is important information for clinical practice, families and patient stakeholders.

Esophageal Interventions in Infants Born with Esophageal Atresia: A Comprehensive Analysis of a National Database

INTRODUCTION

 Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare malformation that often requires a series of procedures, including surgical primary anastomosis, staged repair, and endoscopic procedures. Actual numbers and trends in interventions and variety in treatment strategies remain unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Data from the German federal bureau of statistics containing all EA-related inpatient procedures encoded from 2005 until 2018 were analyzed for children during the first year of life. The sum of esophageal anastomoses and replacements was used to calculate an estimate of incidence of EA.

RESULTS

 Over 14 years, 12,627,888 inpatient cases were recorded in infants in Germany. The mean incidence of EA was 1 per 4,217 live births. On average, 163.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 150.8-176.1) esophageal anastomoses, 11.2 (95% CI: 8.7-13.7) esophageal lengthening procedures, and 6.7 (95% CI: 5.42-8.00) esophageal replacements were recorded annually. Overall, 187.8 (95% CI: 147.1-200.4) endoluminal treatments (ballon dilatation, bougienage, stent placement, or injection) were performed per 100 anastomoses. Over the years, bougienage was increasingly replaced by ballon dilatation as primary treatment. Boys had a significantly higher number of esophageal procedures than girls, but the incidence of endoscopic treatments in relation to anastomoses was the same for both genders.

CONCLUSION

 The low incidence of EA in relation to a relatively large number of units treating those patients in Germany may pose challenges for maintaining competency and training of all specialists involved. The number of esophagoscopic treatments for esophageal stricture per anastomosis is lower than previously estimated.

Commentary on Nutrition delivery and growth outcomes in infants with long-gap esophageal atresia who undergo the Foker process

This is a commentary on the manuscript by Harrington A, Riebold J, Hernandez K, et al., titled "Nutrition Delivery and Growth Outcomes in Infants with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Who Undergo the Foker Process".

Novel Device for Endoluminal Esophageal Atresia Repair: First-in-Human Experience

Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia (EA) repair affords many benefits to the patient; however, intracorporeal suturing of the anastomosis is technically challenging. Esophageal magnetic compression anastomosis (EMCA) is a compelling option for endoluminal EA repair, but available EMCA devices have prohibitive rates of recalcitrant stricture. Connect-EA is a new endoluminal EMCA device system that employs 2 magnetic anchors with a unique mating geometry designed to reliably create a robust anastomosis and decrease rates of leak and stricture. We describe our first-in-human experience with this novel endoluminal device for staged EA repair in 3 patients (Gross type A, B, and C) at high risk for conventional surgical repair. First, the esophageal pouches were approximated thoracoscopically. After acute tension subsided, the device anchors were endoscopically placed in the esophageal pouches and mated. Anchors were spontaneously excreted in 2 cases. Endoscopic repositioning and retrieval of the anchors were required in 1 patient because of narrowed esophageal anatomy. There were no perioperative complications. Patients were managed for 14 to 18 months. The strictures that developed in the patients were membranous and responded well to dilation alone, resolving after 4 to 5 outpatient dilations. Gastrostomies were closed between 6 and 11 months and all patients are tolerating full oral nutrition. Early experience with this new endoluminal EMCA device system is highly favorable. The device offers considerable benefit over conventional handsewn esophageal anastomosis and anastomotic outcomes are superior to available EMCA devices.

Long term digestive outcome of œsophageal atresia

Œsophageal atresia is a rare neonatal malformation consisting in an interruption of the continuity of the œsophagus, with or without a tracheo-œsophageal fistula. Although mortality rate is now low and most cases can benefit from successful surgical repair soon after birth, morbidity -specially digestive and nutritional-remains high. Many of the adults born with œsophageal atresia will suffer from dysphagia, gastro-œsophageal reflux and/or œsophageal dysmotility, leading to nutritional consequences and quality of life impairment. Barrett's œsophagus, potential risk of œsophageal cancer as well as risk of anastomotic stenosis and eosinophilic œsophagitis justify transition to adulthood and a lifelong prolonged follow-up.

Favorable Outcome of Electively Delayed Elongation Procedure in Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia

The ideal approach to long gap esophageal atresia is still controversial. On one hand, preserving a patient's native esophagus may require several steps and can be fraught with complications. On the other hand, most replacement procedures are irreversible and disrupt gastrointestinal physiology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and medium-term outcome of electively delayed esophageal elongation procedures before esophageal reconstruction in patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Since the neonatal esophagus grows over-proportionally and can increase its wall thickness in the first few months of life, we hypothesized that postponing the elongation steps until 3 months of age would lead to a lower complication rate. We thus retrospectively recorded complications such as mediastinitis, anastomotic leakage, stricture formation, or gastroesophageal reflux requiring surgery, and compared it to reported outcomes. In our treatment protocol, patients born with long-gap esophageal atresia underwent gastrostomy placement and were sham fed until 3 months of age. We then assessed the gap between the esophageal ends and started serial elongation procedures. We only proceeded to the reconstruction of the esophagus when its length allowed a tension-free anastomosis. From April 2013 to April 2019, we treated 13 Patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Nine patients without prior surgical procedures underwent Foker procedures. Four patients arrived with a pre-existing cervical esophagostomy and thus underwent Kimura's procedure, two of them with a concomitant Foker elongation of the lower pouch. Esophageal reconstruction was feasible in all patients, while none of them developed mediastinitis at any point in their treatment. We managed the only anastomotic leak conservatively. Almost half of the patients did not require any further intervention following reconstruction, while three patients required multiple (≥5) anastomotic dilatations. All but one patient achieved full oral nutrition. Only one child required a fundoplication to manage gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Electively delayed esophageal elongation procedures in patients with long-gap esophageal atresia allowed preservation of the native esophagus in all patients. The approach had low peri-procedural morbidity, and patients enjoy favorable functional outcomes. Therefore, we suggest considering this method in the management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia.