Learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of Esophageal Atresia type III

Abstract

Objective To detective the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with distal fistula（type Ⅲ）.Methods It is a retrospective analysis.49 cases of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia tape Ⅲ were divided into two groups from September 2010 to July 2013. The outcomes of operating time,postoperative leakage,stenosis,recurrence of fistula,and death were compared.Results Conversion was necessary in one patient in group 1 for low-birth-weight（1 020 g）. There was a remarkable reduction of operating time（192.71±33.133 min vs 152.25±41.185 min）. The reduction of postoperative leakage or stenosis,recurrence of fistulae,and death were also shown as the results,although the difference was not significant due to the small number.Conclusions A relative longer learning curve should be processed in the thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia. However the operating time and complications will be reduced after the experience accumulation. Key words: Thoracoscopic surgical procedures Esophageal atresia Neonate