[Gastroesophageal reflux after the surgical treatment of esophageal atresia].

The experience of the authors concerns 100 neonates treated for esophageal atresia between 1968 and 1980. A retrospective study of the sequelae observed in 73 survivors (age 3 to 15 years) found 26 cases of gastroesophageal reflux. This study demonstrates a high incidence of reflux in children who initially presented with a fistula and long gap esophageal atresia. It also shows that chronic respiratory disorders are more frequent in these patients and that esophagitis is the principal factor leading to stricture of the anastomosis stubborn to dilatation. In 14 patients, the severity of the clinical and endoscopic symptoms justified a surgical antireflux procedure, the only guarantee of clinical and radiologic recovery, with long term confirmation in 9 patients.