Successful two-stage thoracoscopic repair of long-gap esophageal atresia using simple internal traction and delayed primary anastomosis in a neonate: report of a case

Abstract

The optimal method of treating long-gap esophageal atresia has not been established; however, the native esophagus is recognized as one of the best materials to use for bridging a long gap. Several case reports describe long-gap esophageal atresia being treated successfully via thoracotomy, by applying external traction sutures to the proximal and distal ends of the esophagus, thereby gradually elongating the esophagus prior to delayed primary anastomosis. However, this method carries a risk of infection and disruption of the esophageal ends. We devised a simple method of internal traction for esophageal elongation, which we performed as a two-step thoracoscopic procedure to treat a neonate with long-gap esophageal atresia.