Esophageal stricture following esophageal atresia repair: endoscopic assessment and dilation.

A retrospective review from 1981 to 1986 was made of 51 neonates who were treated for congenital esophageal atresia at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, Australia. Thirty of the 51 had primary repair and 15 (50%) developed esophageal stricture requiring one or more dilations. Stricture dilations were performed with open-tube rigid esophagoscopes, rigid telescopes, and Jackson dilators. The number of dilations performed until the patient was asymptomatic ranged from 1 to 12 (mean 4.5). The minimal follow-up time was 4 years. There was one esophageal perforation with full recovery following conservative management. One child died of septicemia caused by continued aspiration of unknown cause. A surprising finding, contrary to other reports, was the stricture formation did not appear to be related to the size of the "gap" found at the time of esophageal repair. Gastroesophageal reflux, however, was an important factor. We conclude that esophageal stricture following repair of tracheoesophageal atresia can be satisfactorily and relatively safely managed by direct vision antegrade endoscopic dilation using graduated dilators, although treatment may be prolonged and repeated. New esophagoscopes and dilators, in graduated sizes and designed for pediatric use, are recommended. The technique of esophageal dilation in infants is described in detail. Pediatric laryngobronchoesophagologists will become more involved in the care of infants born with esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula.