Abstract
Background: Esophageal atresia is rare congenital anomaly, which is traditionally repaired by open thoracotomy. Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair has evolved as an effective and safe technique.Material and Methods: This is a retrospective review of 11 cases of esophageal atresia (type C), between June 2015 to May 2016. The objective of study is to describe our initial learning curve of thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair.Results: Out of 11 patients, initial 4 underwent video assisted technique through single incision of 2 cm to visualize the exact video-scopic anatomy and to do few steps if possible. In last 7 cases, steps were completed with both ends mobilization and intracorporeally single layer interrupted stitching of esophagus. Complications encountered in 3 patients like esophageal leak in one managed conservatively, stenosis and reflux in one patient each.Conclusion: Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair is challenging and demanding surgery. Every surgeon has a learning curve before successful thoracoscopic repair which requires skills and learning under supervision of experienced surgeons.
Highlights
Esophageal atresia with or without fistula is rare congenital anomaly occurring in 1/3000-5000 of neonatal population [1] which is traditionally repaired by posterio-lateral thoracotomy and still a standard approach [2,3,4]
Eleven (11) patients included for thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair
In few Asian countries and Middle East, thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia has been started but they are at initial learning stage [8,9,10]
Summary
Esophageal atresia with or without fistula is rare congenital anomaly occurring in 1/3000-5000 of neonatal population [1] which is traditionally repaired by posterio-lateral thoracotomy and still a standard approach [2,3,4]. With advancement in minimal invasive pediatric procedures and availability of high definition technology, it becomes possible to perform technically demanding and complex procedures thoracoscopically [5]. The objective of study is to describe our experience of few basic steps of learning curve to make it possible for achievement of final thoracoscopic repair. Esophageal atresia is rare congenital anomaly, which is traditionally repaired by open thoracotomy. Thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair has evolved as an effective and safe technique
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