DOZ047.29: Pleural flap for partial esophageal substitution in case of difficult anastomosis

Abstract

Esophageal reconstruction in long-gap atresia remains challenging for the surgeon. Complications of surgery, regardless of choices and methods proposed, are frequents, sometimes serious, and can significantly delay baby's feeding, with increased disruption of orality. The ideal is a reconstruction with only esophageal tissue available. There is renewed interest for technical of elongation described initially by Foker, especially modified by Van Der Zee.1 But, elongation is not always so simple that provided. We report an observation of esophageal atresia (type 1 Ladd), treated by rapid elongation. On the sixth day of procedure, right pleurisy reveals a rip at the apex of inferior esophagus. Anastomosis was possible on the posterior plane, but impossible on the anterior plane. The anterior plane has been reconstituted with a flap of parietal pleura. The operative course was simple without any fistula. Oral feeding started at fifteenth day postanastomosis was quickly complete. Gastrostomy left by security has not been used. Three endoscopic dilations have been necessary at six weeks, two and five months after anastomosis. At the age of eleven months, the orality was perfect, and diet was diversified with pieces. Use a pleural flap to bury or isolate sutures is well known technic.2 But use only pleura to replace the esophageal wall is not described. Partial reconstruction of a hemiesophageal wall with only pleura is possible, despite difficult conditions. It is a trick easily achievable in case of difficulty, with a good result that is maintained over time.