Physical growth and social prognosis of esophageal atresia after 15 years of age

Abstract

Abstract Background The mortality rate of esophageal atresia (EA) has significantly improved, but late complications remain problematic. We evaluated the physical growth, late complications, and social prognosis of postoperative patients with EA who have reached 15 years of age. Methods EA patients who were treated at our institution from 1984 to 2003 were enrolled. The follow-up, physical growth at the last visit, late complications and treatment, academic status, and employment situation were evaluated. Results Twenty-nine EA patients were registered, and the 23 surviving patients (79.3%) were followed. Anthropometry at the latest visit tended to be below the standard values. Fundoplication was performed in 6 (26.1%) of 9 (39.1%) patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Anastomotic stenosis was found in 12 patients (52.2%), and 2 (8.7%) were treated with re-anastomosis. Thirteen patients were attending a regular school, and one was attending a school for disabled children. Four had jobs from 18 years of age. Follow-up was aborted during early childhood in nine patients. Conclusions The physical size of EA was smaller than in the healthy population of the same age. Late complications had not affected the physical growth but were sometimes recognized in adolescence. The social prognosis of the patients was largely favorable.

Keywords

• Esophageal atresia
• Long-term outcome
• Physical growth
• Social prognosis
• Late complications