Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2022 Nov;25(6):453-460. 10.5223/pghn.2022.25.6.453.

Postoperative Complications of Esophageal Atresia and Role of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in Anastomotic Strictures

• Cho JY
• Chang My
• Gang MH
• Lee YW
• Park JB
• Kim JY
• Kim HJ

• KMID: 2535162
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2022.25.6.453

Abstract

Purpose
Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a congenital anomaly that can cause frequent digestive and nutritional problems, even after repair. The most common complication is anastomotic stricture, for which reoperation or balloon dilatation is performed. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative complications of EA and the role of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) in cases of anastomotic stricture.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with EA with or without TEF between January 2000 and February 2021. Patients’ baseline characteristics, associated anomalies, and postoperative complications were reviewed.
Results
Among 26 patients, 14 (53.8%) were male, 12 (46.2%) had coexisting anomalies, and the median follow-up was 6.1 years (range, 1.2–15.7 years). In univariate analysis, prematurity, low birth weight, and long-gap EA were associated with postoperative complications in 12 (46.2%) patients. Among the 10 (38.5%) patients with anastomotic stricture, nine (90.0%) required EBD. Regarding the first EBD, it was performed at a median of 3.3 months (range, 1.2–7.6 months) post-repair, while the average patient weight was 4.6 kg. The mean diameter ranged from 3.3 to 9.1 mm without major complications. In univariate analysis, long-gap EA alone was significantly associated with EBD.
Conclusion
Approximately half of the patients experienced complications after EA repair. In particular, patients with a long-gap EA had a significantly increased risk of complications, such as anastomotic strictures. EBD can be safely used, even in infants.

Keyword

Anastomosis; surgical; Esophageal atresia; Balloon dilatation