The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 21, 378-381, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Primary repair of esophageal atresia without staging or preliminary gastrostomy
KR Tyson
Twenty-two neonates with esophageal atresia and a distal tracheoesophageal
fistula were treated by primary repair. Only if an anastomotic leak was
demonstrated was a tube gastrostomy for decompression with trangastric
placement of a duodenal tube for feeding performed. Twelve newborns were
classified as high-risk by the presence of prematurity with low birth
weight (less than 2,250 gm), significant pneumonia, or obvious significant
associated anomalies. There was one operative death and 1 late death. Three
babies required a tube gastrotomy and duodenal tube for anastomotic leaks.
All 20 survivors are symptom free and thriving. Progress in perioperative
management of neonates with esophageal atresia may obviate the need for
routine gastrostomy and for staging of high-risk newborns.