Delayed blind-pouch apposition, guide wire placement, and nonoperative establishment of luminal continuity in a child with long gap esophageal atresia

Delayed primary esophago-esophagostomy is the most physiologically attractive approach to establish luminal continuity in children with pure esophageal atresia. However, excessive tension on the mobilized esophageal ends can lead to anastomotic separation and severe leakage. To circumvent these complications, the blind pouches of a 2 1/2-month-old child were approximated unopened when, during the extrapleural thoracotomy, a conventional anastomosis was not feasible. A suture was passed through the tip of the 2 ends and made to exit through the mouth and the gastrostomy. After healing occurred, the suture was replaced under fluoroscopic control by a Seldinger-type wire. A vein dilator then was passed over the wire, establishing the continuity between the esophageal segments. Subsequent dilatations increased the anastomosis to the desired diameter. Leakage and an additional thoracotomy were avoided, and the hospital stay was shortened. The child, now 6 years old, is well and swallows normally. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.