Distal esophagostomy tube feedings in the treatment of long gap esophageal atresia: Experience with 10 cases

There are different strategies for the treatment of long gap esophageal atresia (LEA), but many aspects of its management is still controversial. The best treatment is conserving the native esophagus through the connection of two esophageal pouches. In this study, we shared our experiences in management of LEA treatment and introduced a new approch for the conservative management of this condition. In our experience, ten patients with long gap esophageal atresia were treated, followed up and managed by our own designed method. In our technique, we lengthened the both upper and lower pouches instead of one pouches. On the one hand, with the effect of saliva pressure, the upper pouch became longer without proximal esophagostomy. On the other hand, the lower pouch was mechanically lengthened by the feeding effect of gavage. These reduced the distance between the two ends of the esophagus and provided the conditions for the primary anastomosis and saving the native esophagus. There were no complication in these ten patients but this procedure needs more investigation.