Esophageal atresia associating gastrointestinal malformations: a study of clinical approach

Abstract

Digestive tract malformations requiring surgical repair in association with esophageal atresia are rare occurrences. Because of this uncommon presentation of esophageal atresia, its evaluation and management are often difficult, requiring extensive workup and multiple surgical procedures. We present our experience with esophageal atresia associating gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in the last 10 years. Clinical and surgical perspectives were pointed willing to make relevant observations in matters of diagnosis and treatment strategy in these patients. Therefore, 7 cases resembling this pattern were identified – duodenal atresia and anorectal malformation being the most common coexistent malformations. All the cases exhibited technical and procedural staging difficulties that we shaped according to the patient’s general picture in the absence of a standardized approach. Careful preoperative follow-up, multidisciplinary communication, watchful waiting and an individually patient-shaped approach are elementary requirements for good outcomes in complex cases of EA.

Keywords

• esophageal atresia
• gastrointestinal malformations
• digestive congenital anomalies