Esophageal Atresia

Abstract

Esophageal atresia is one of the most common life-threatening congenital malformations of the newborn baby. Today, survival rates are around 95% and mortality is related mainly to extreme prematurity or severe associated malformations, predominantly cardiac anomalies. Operative reconstruction of the continuity of the esophagus or replacement by other organs are surgical options. A large variety of operative strategies have been elaborated and proposed in the past to achieve this goal. Most of the reports are retrospective and there is a definite need for multicenter prospective protocols to evaluate the methods and results. Long-term complications are strictures of the anastomotic region, esophageal, gastric reflux with esophagitis, and tracheomalacia. Despite these problems, the overall health-related quality in adult persons is good. However, longterm follow-up investigations into adulthood including esophageal endoscopy are indicated.