Esophageal atresia and right aortic arch

A right aortic arch occurs in 5% of patients with esophageal atresia. Its presence has significant implications; there is a high association of other anomalies, especially cardiac types. Repair of the atresia has been regarded as difficult with the usual approach through the right chest. We report our experience with five cases of right aortic arch and esophageal atresia treated in the past 5 years. In four cases this association was not recognized preoperatively and the right aortic arch was not an obstacle in repairing the atresia through the standard right thoracotomy. In one case the right aortic arch was diagnosed before surgery; repair was done through the left chest.Offprint requests to: G. Stringel