Successful staged management of long gap esophageal atresia

Abstract

Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus. There is little consensus on the definition of long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA). However, the term is used to describe cases in which a primary anastomosis of the proximal and distal ends of the esophagus cannot easily be performed under acceptable tension by the operating surgeon. LGEA remains a technically challenging subset of EA cases. We present a case of long gap esophageal atresia type IIIA (Vogt classification)/Type B (Gross classification) which had a successful final outcome after multiple procedures which allowed the maintenance of the original esophagus, thus not needing esophageal replacement. The patient is now 6 years old, is thriving well and does not have any complaints.