The management of old urethral injury in young girls: analysis of 44 cases

Background/purpose: Traumatic urethral injury in girls is rare, and there is no consensus on its management. The authors report their 22-year experience.Methods: Forty girls presented with urethrovaginal fistula. Twenty-six girls presented with cystostomy tube in place, whereas 17 girls presented with complete urinary incontinence. Incision and dilatation of the obliterated urethra was carried out in 7 patients. Vaginal repair of urethrovaginal fistula was performed in 4 patients. Transpubic reconstruction of the urethra using a modified Young-Dees-Leadbetter procedure with simultaneous repair of the urethrovaginal fistula was performed in 35 patients (once in 27, twice in 5, and 3 times in 3 patients).Results: Follow-up in 40 girls averaged 3.5 years. Twenty-nine patients have regained normal urinary control, and 11 patients have mild stress urinary incontinence. Four patients were lost to follow-up.Conclusions: Simple dilation of the obliterated urethra can reestablish satisfactory urethral patency if the obliterated segment is short. The vaginal approach to urethrovaginal fistula may be successful in patients without concomitant urethral stricture or in those with stricture amenable to simple dilation. The transpubic approach remains the method of choice for repairing complete urethral disruption and severe urethral stricture, especially when associated with urethrovaginal fistula.     

The use of pedicled appendix graft for substitution of urethra in recurrent urethral stricture

Background: Recurrent posterior urethral strictures after failed urethroplasty may need urethral substitution. Skin or mucosal grafts, currently used for this purpose, have a high complication rate. The authors describe the use of pedicled appendix for posterior urethral substitution. Methods: Two boys with pelvic fracture urethral distraction injuries were treated for recurrent posterior urethral strictures after a failed perineal anastomotic urethroplasty. Through a perineal-transpubic approach the stricture tissue was excised, which resulted in a gap of 5 to 7 cm between the healthy ends. The vermiform appendix was mobilised on its own pedicle and transposed to the perineum; the proximal end of appendix was anastomosed to the prostatic urethra and the distal end (tip discarded) to the bulbar/penile urethra. Omentum was transposed to wrap the anastomosis and fill the dead space. Results: Normal micturition was restored in both patients. No further treatment was required after 1 dilatation in the first case. Both patients are continent. Potency status remains unchanged from the preoperative period with normal erections in 1 case. Follow-up (1 to 3 years) has been satisfactory with no complications. Conclusions: The appendix is a promising organ for posterior urethral replacement. It can be brought to the perineum on its own vascular pedicle.     

Management of traumatic urethral disruption in children: Oman experience, 1988-2000

Background: Traumatic urethral disruptions in children differ anatomically from those of adults. In children, the posterior urethra is not protected by the prostate and may be injured at any level. The management of traumatic rupture of the urethra still a matter of debate, and there is no agreement as to which is the best of 3 options. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis. Over a 12-year period the authors dealt with 21 urethral disruptions. The authors had detailed follow-up of 20 patients (14 posterior and 6 anterior). Trans-symphyseal urethroplasty (6 early primary repairs and 3 delayed repairs) for complete posterior urethral disruptions was performed. The early repairs were carried out within 7 days of the injury. Primary alignment was performed for 3 of the 4 partial ruptures of the posterior urethra and for all 6 anterior urethral disruptions. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for incontinence, penile erectile dysfunction, and stricture formation. Results: In one of the early repairs a stricture developed that responded to dilatations. A second patient with bladder neck injury had incontinence after the repair. She underwent a urethral lengthening procedure and still has stress incontinence. Erections were observed in all 4 boys. One of the delayed repairs developed a stricture postoperatively. Of the 9 partial ruptures (6 anterior and 3 posterior) that underwent primary alignment, 4 had strictures. Some of these strictures required up to 5 dilatations or internal urethrotomy for cure. One patient with complete rupture underwent primary alignment, which broke down, and a long stricture developed. This patient is still awaiting a delayed repair. One posterior partial rupture, repaired primarily at another hospital, had a stricture and an urethrocutaneous fistula that responded to curettage and dilatations. Conclusions: Primary repairs required less hopitalization and a shorter duration of indwelling catheters. In light of this experience the authors recommend a primary repair in patients with complete posterior urethral disruptions. J Pediatr Surg 37:1451-1455.     

Forme fruste choledochal cyst: long-term follow-up with special reference to surgical technique

Purpose: Forme fruste choledochal cyst (FFCC) is a choledochal cyst that has minimal or no dilatation of the extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD) and is associated with pancreaticobiliary malunion (PBMU). The authors reviewed the long-term outcome of their patients with FFCC.Methods: Inpatient and outpatient records of 281 patients with choledochal cyst were reviewed. In this study, minimal dilatation of the EHBD was defined as its maximum diameter being less than 10 mm.Results: There were 17 cases of FFCC identified. In all 17 patients, PBMU was present. The mean age at EHBD excision was 2.9 years. Fourteen patients had hepatico-jejunostomy, and three had hepatico-duodenostomy. The histology of the excised EHBD showed mucosal ulceration/sloughing (in 35.3% patients), fibrosis (52.9%), and inflammatory cell infiltration (41.2%). Over a mean postoperative follow-up period of 9.8 years, there have been no episodes of cholangitis or anastomotic stricture formation.Conclusions: The treatment of choice for FFCC in children is EHBD excision and hepatico-jejunostomy. There is little surgical morbidity if performed carefully.     

Long-term management of luminal urethral stricture in women

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to report our long-term experience of luminal urethral stricture (LUS) in women treated with dilation under general anesthesia.

Methods

Following institutional review board approval, charts of women who underwent urethral dilation (UD) under general anesthesia for LUS and had over 6 months’ follow-up were reviewed. LUS was confirmed by urethroscopy. UD was performed using female dilators with guidewire and Heyman dilators when required. Outcome measures included the number of UD procedures and the duration and frequency of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). Success was defined as the ability to void without repeat UD and with no need for CIC 1 year after UD. Possible predictive variables were analyzed.

Results

Between 2000 and 2013, a total of 30 out of the 32 women who underwent UD for LUS met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 59 (range: 7 to 151) months. Thirteen women in the success group showed improvement in the mean maximum flow rate (pre 11 ml/s to post 27.8 ml/s) and post-void residual (pre 85 ml to post 43 ml). In the failure group of 17 patients, 2 required chronic CIC 1 year after a single UD. Fifteen opted for repeat UD. After second (n?=?5), third (n?=?2), and fourth (n?=?2) UD, 9 patients came off CIC and reported durable satisfaction. Four women remained on regular CIC. Two required a permanent suprapubic catheter.

Conclusion

At a mean follow-up of 5 years, UD for LUS produced durable resolution in 43 % of our patients. Another 30 % fully benefited from repeat UDs. Shorter duration of symptoms before presentation was significantly associated with success.

     

The use of stab incisions for instrument access in laparoscopic operations

Background/Purpose: Traditional laparoscopic approaches require cannulas for instrument access to the abdominal cavity. This study reports the authors’ experience using minimal access (MA) stab incisions, rather than cannulas, for insertion of laparoscopic instruments into the peritoneal cavity.Methods: All patients undergoing MA procedures by the authors from November 1999 through March 2003 were included. Procedures included foregut, biliary, adrenal, splenic, colonic, and genitourinary operations. A single cannula was used for insertion of the telescope. In select cases, a second cannula was needed for unique instruments (staplers/ultrasonic shears). Abdominal wall stab incisions (SI) were used for introduction of the remaining instruments.Results: A total of 511 MA procedures were performed during the study period. Pneumoperitoneum was maintained in all cases. There were no complications associated with creation of the SI. A single-Step reposable (partially reusable, partially disposable) cannula and expandable sheath were used in 308 cases, whereas a second-Step reposable cannula and sheath were needed in 203 children. In total, 1,337 cannulas were saved using this MA technique. The cost to the patient was $140/Step cannula and sheath; overall cost savings were $187,180.Conclusions: MA procedures can be performed safely and effectively with a single or, occasionally, 2 cannulas. The cosmetic result is superior, and there are significant cost savings related to the elimination of accessory cannulas. The authors believe this technique of SI for instrument access is superior to the traditional cannula approach and can be utilized in most laparoscopic operations.     

Female urethral stricture: a contemporary series

Purpose

To report the etiology, presenting symptoms and outcomes of the different treatments performed in female patients with recurrent urethral stricture.

Materials and methods

Twenty-six patients with refractory LUTS were diagnosed with a urethral stricture. The symptoms, the treatment performed and the outcomes were prospectively recorded. Sixteen patients were treated with a urethroplasty using a buccal mucosal graft (BMG) in 14 cases (54 %) and a vaginal flap in 2 (8 %). Urethral dilatation, optical urethrotomy and meatoplasty were performed in 8 (31 %), 1 (3.8 %) and 1 (3.8 %) patients, respectively.

Results

Strictures were idiopathic in 11 patients (42 %). Previous urethral instrumentation and traumatic vaginal delivery were the commonest causes of urethral stricture (42 and 15 %, respectively). The most frequent symptoms were reduced flow (93 %), detrusor overactivity (50 %) and UTIs (42 %). The stricture was cured in 93 % of patients treated with a BMG urethroplasty and in all the patients in which a vaginal flap urethroplasty was performed. In the same group, the improvement in urethral pain was observed in the 67 and the 88 % of patients were cured from recurrent UTIs. All the patients treated with urethral dilatation needed further dilatations; hence, the cure of the stricture was achieved in none of them. Improvement in urethral pain, UTIs and detrusor activity was not recorded in the latter group.

Conclusion

Urethroplasty in its various forms has demonstrated in the present series the highest cure rate for the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture.

     

Staged proximal hypospadias repair: Modified thiersch duplay with midline incision in urethral plate followed by Mathieu urethroplasty

Purpose: Functional results, complications, cosmesis, operating time, and hospital stay were analyzed after staged urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias. Methods: Seventeen consecutive boys, mean age 17.7 [plusmn] 1.6 months underwent a staged urethroplasty in the past 5 years. Urethral plate was tubularized and proximal hypospadias converted to distal. Hooded dorsal prepuce was buttonholed and transposed ventrally to cover the neo-urethra. Subsequently, a parameatal based flip flap urethroplasty completed the urethral reconstruction at mean age of 26.7 [plusmn] 4.1 months. Results: Mean follow-up time was 2.8 [plusmn] 1.7 years. Eighty-eight percent of boys who are now toilet trained and standing to void have a good caliber straight single stream of urine in a forward direction. Urethrocutaneous fistula was seen in 1 child (6%), and a simple fistulectomy with double layered closure was successful at first attempt of fistula closure. Cosmetic appearance of a natural vertical slit glanular meatus situated at normal position on the glans was achieved in all patients. Total mean operating time was 193.5 [plusmn] 42.9 minutes and total mean duration of hospital stay was 3.4 [plusmn] 0.6 days. Conclusion: Staged urethroplasty for proximal hypospadias results in a normal penis with good function, minimal complications, and excellent cosmesis.     

Balloon catheter dilatation in children with congenital and acquired esophageal anomalies

Background/Purpose: Esophageal stricture requiring dilatation often is the sequelae in children with a history of congenital or acquired esophageal anomalies. Balloon catheter dilatation (BCD) for esophageal stricture is well established in adults, yet its role in children is less well described. The authors report their initial experience using BCD in children with esophageal stricture, assessing outcome. Methods: Between January 1994, and December 1998, 20 children (age range, 17 days to 12 years) underwent BCD for esophageal strictures and were divided into 2 etiology groups (A and B). (A, n = 10) included congenital anomalies (esophageal atresia, 10), and (B, n = 10) included acquired anomalies (caustic ingestion, 7; tight fundoplication, 2; peptic stricture, 1). BCD was performed in all cases under conscious sedation with a balloon catheter (6 to 25 mm) with fluoroscopy. Outcome parameters included number of dilatations; complications, ie, perforation; and success or failure of procedure. Success was defined as increasing intervals of age-appropriate food tolerance between dilatations, and failure was defined as abandonment of dilatation in favor of surgical intervention. Follow-up for A and B ranged from 6 to 42 months. Results: Seventeen of 20 (85.0%) underwent successful BCD. In A, 10 of 10 (100%) had complete resolution of symptoms with follow-up ranging from 6 to 42 months versus 7 of 10 (70.0%) in B with follow-up of 6.5 to 36 months. In A, number of dilatations ranged from 1 to 4 over an average period of 2 months. In B, number of dilatations ranged from 3 to 40 over periods ranging from 2 to 30 months. All 3 failures occurred in children with caustic ingestion, with 1 child suffering perforation requiring urgent surgical intervention. Conclusions: Balloon catheter dilatation can be applied safely and effectively to children in whom esophageal strictures develop after repair of esophageal atresia. However, its use in children with acquired esophageal anomalies, notably caustic injury, is associated with higher complication and failure rates, necessitating greater caution and lower expectations.     

Development of intrahepatic biliary stones after excision of choledochal cysts

Background: The incidence of intrahepatic cholelithiasis and cholangitis has not yet been well studied postoperatively in patients with choledochal cysts. Methods: One hundred three patients with choledochal cysts had operative cholangiography, underwent standard excision of a choledochal cyst with Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunal anastomosis, and were at a mean follow-up of 12[frac12] years. The incidence of intrahepatic bile duct stones was analyzed according to the 3 morphologic types of intrahepatic bile duct observed at initial operative cholangiography: type 1, no dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts; type 2, dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts but without any downstream stenosis; and type 3, dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts associated with downstream stenosis. Initially, there was no evidence of intrahepatic bile duct stones in any of the 103 patients. Results: Among 50 type 1 patients, intrahepatic cholelithiasis developed in only 1 patient (2%). Among 43 type 2 patients, 1 patient (2%) had intrahepatic cholelithiasis, and 2 (5%) had postoperative cholangitis. Among 10 type 3 patients, 4 (40%) had intrahepatic cholelithiasis (P [lt ] .01), and 3 (30%) had postoperative cholangitis. Time intervals between the initial surgery and the first identification of intrahepatic stones ranged from 3 to 22 years. Conclusions: One of the major causes of formation of intrahepatic cholelithiasis has been clarified; patients with intrahepatic biliary dilatation with downstream stenosis can get intrahepatic bile duct stones long after excision of a choledochal cyst.     

The management of urethral stricture after kidney transplantation

Objective

To investigate the incidence and causes of urethral stricture after kidney transplantation, as well as analyze its diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Methods

Clinical data of patients who developed urethral stricture after living-donor kidney transplantation in our center between January 2007 and June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Urethral stricture occurred in 8 of the 677 eligible kidney recipients (1.18 %) during the study period; the complication occurred at a mean of 4.4 months (range 2–7 months) after transplantation. Cystoscope-related iatrogenic injury and urinary tract infection seemed to be the most likely causes. In addition to frequency and dysuria, three patients had hydronephrosis and four had elevated serum creatinine levels. Urethrography showed that the urethral stricture was anterior in two patients and posterior in the remaining six. Two patients were treated by urethral dilation, four by internal urethrotomy and two by urethra reconstruction surgery. All patients urinated readily after treatment and four patients with impaired renal function recovered.

Conclusion

Urethral strictures after kidney transplantation are rare, and they can be safely and effectively treated by urethral dilation, internal urethrotomy or urethra reconstruction. Avoiding iatrogenic injury and shortening catheterization time may help reduce the risk of this complication.     

Internal urethrotomy and intraurethral submucosal injection of triamcinolone in short bulbar urethral strictures

Objectives

In clinical practice, internal urethrotomy is an easy procedure and is offered as a first modality for treatment of short urethral strictures. Internal urethrotomy refers to any procedure that opens the stricture by incising or ablating it transurethrally. The most common complication of internal urethrotomy is stricture recurrence. The curative success rate of internal urethrotomy is approximately 20%. Triamcinolone has antifibroblast and anticollagen properties. This study evaluated the efficacy of triamcinolone in the prevention of anterior urethral stricture recurrence after internal urethrotomy.

Methods

Fifty male patients with anterior urethral stricture were randomized to undergo internal urethrotomy with or without urethral submucosal injection of triamcinolone. Using general anesthesia urethrotomy was performed. Triamcinolone (40 mg) was injected submucosally at the urethrotomy site in 25 patients. The patients were followed for at least 12 months and the stricture recurrence rate was compared between the two groups.

Results

23 patients in the triamcinolone group and 22 in the control group completed the study. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the patients or the etiology of the stricture between the two groups. Mean follow-up time was 13.7 ± 5.5 months (range: 1–25 months). Urethral stricture recurred in five patients (21.7%) in the triamcinolone group and in 11 patients (50%) in the control group (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Injection of triamcinolone significantly reduced stricture recurrence after internal urethrotomy. Further investigations are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety.     

Enteric duplications presenting as antenatally detected abdominal cysts: is delayed resection appropriate?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate delayed elective resection of antenatally detected enteric duplication cysts.Methods: A retrospective casenote study of intraabdominal cysts detected antenatally between January 1991 and January 2002 found 37 fetuses with cysts. Twelve were enteric duplications. Two were duodenal, 1 was an 85-cm tubular jejunoileal duplication, and 9 were ileocecal. Asymptomatic cysts were followed with serial ultrasound scars and resected electively over 14 months.Results: Three neonates had small bowel obstruction demanding laparotomy: 1 of the 2 infants with duodenal duplication cysts, 1 infant with an ileocecal duplication, and the infant with the tubular duplication. One with an ileocecal duplication became symptomatic at 2 months and underwent a laparotomy. Seven had their duplications resected electively between 6 weeks and 14 months, and the other is still being followed. Four of the 7 asymptomatic duplications electively resected contained gastric mucosa.Conclusions: Intraabdominal enteric duplication cysts are increasingly likely to be detected antenatally. The majority are likely to remain asymptomatic for several months at least, after which a resection can be planned. The prevalence of gastric mucosa suggests that they should not be left indefinitely. Laparoscopically assisted resection of ileocecal duplications is safe and effective.     

Dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in female urethral stricture disease: a single-center experience

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this report is to present our initial, short-term experience with dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (DBMGU) in women with urethral stricture.

Methods

Between May 2011 and April 2013, eight women with moderate to severe bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms due to mid- or distal urethral stricture underwent DBMGU. All women were evaluated preoperatively with the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, uroflowmetry with post-void residual volume (PVR) estimation, urodynamic study, calibration with 14 F catheter, and voiding cystourethrography. Postoperatively, the women were followed at regular intervals with AUA symptom score, uroflowmetry, and PVR estimation. Increase in AUA symptom score, maximum flow rate (Q_max)?<?12 ml/s, and failure to calibrate with 18 F catheter were considered as recurrence of the disease.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 40.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months. All women voided successfully after catheter removal. One patient was lost to follow-up after 3 months. There was significant improvement in AUA symptom score and Q_max and reduction in PVR (p?<?0.0001) at 3, 6, and 9 months. Two women had recurrence of stricture at 12 months, while another had recurrence at 18 months which was treated by urethral dilatation followed by a self-dilatation protocol. The limitations of the study include the small number of cases with short follow-up.

Conclusions

DBMGU is a simple and safe method of urethroplasty in women with unsatisfactory results. Large size studies with long-term follow-up are desirable to document the success rates.     

Endoscopic balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in infants and children: 17 years' experience and a literature review

Purpose: Whereas endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) of benign esophageal strictures is an established mode of therapy in adults, this has not been accepted universally in the pediatric population. The aim of this study is to report the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of EBD for children in the authors’ center.Methods: Between 1986 and 2002, a total of 77 children (median age, 1.8 years; range, 2 months to 20 years) were treated by EBD for various causes: 2 had achalasia, and 75 had esophageal strictures (postesophageal atresia repair, 63; reflux esophagitis, 7; postfundoplication, 2; caustic injury, 3). Dilatations were performed using flexible endoscopy and fluoroscopic screening under general anesthesia.Results: A total of 260 dilatations were carried out with the mean number of EBD per patient being 3.4 (range, 1 to 19). A mean period of 5 months (maximum, 28 months) for each patient was required. Four complications of esophageal perforations (1.5%) were observed, but only one required surgical repair because of persistent leakage. The remaining patients have undergone long-term follow-up (median follow-up, 6.6 years), and all are asymptomatic.Conclusions: This large series has shown that EBD can provide a safe and effective mean of relieving esophageal strictures with good long-term results.     

Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy for duodenal obstruction in infants and children

Background/Purpose: Duodenal obstruction, such as that resulting from atresia or web, routinely has been corrected by laparotomy and duodenoduodenostomy. Until recently, no one has reported on the use of minimally invasive techniques to correct this congenital anomaly. Over the last 6 months we have approached 4 patients, 3 with atresia and one with a web, laparoscopically. Three were newborns, and one was 8 months old. Methods: All procedures were performed with 3-mm instruments and scopes. Results: Operating time in all cases was less then 90 minutes. Visualization was excellent, and there were no intraoperative complications. Feedings were started on postoperative day 5 in all 3 neonates and day 3 in the infant. All 4 were on full feedings after 3 days. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal tests show no evidence of stricture or obstruction. Conclusion: Laparoscopy provides an excellent way to evaluate and treat congenital duodenal obstruction. J Pediatr Surg 37:1088-1089.     

Mitomycin-C and urethral dilatation: A safe,effective, and minimally invasive procedure for recurrent vesicourethral anastomotic stenoses

Purpose

To report the safety and efficacy of mitomycin-C (MMC) injection followed by urethral dilatation for the treatment of recurrent vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) post-radical prostatectomy, and to report the outcome for patients treated for concomitant postprostatectomy incontinence.

Measured gap length and outcomes in oesophageal atresia

Aims

Oesophageal atresia (OA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the oesophagus. There is limited literature suggesting a linear relationship between increasing gap length and the incidence of all major complications. We sought to assess whether measured gap length at the time of surgery was related to outcomes in our patients.

Methods

All patients with a diagnosis of OA +/− TOF who underwent repair under a single surgeon between 1983 and 2012 were included. The length between the oesophageal pouches was measured at the time of surgery. Patients were then divided into three groups; short ≤ 1 cm, intermediate > 1–≤2 cm and long > 2–≤5 cm. Outcome measures were anastomotic leak, strictures requiring dilatation, gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and need for fundoplication.

Results

122 patients were included in the study. The outcomes for patients with short (n = 53), intermediate (n = 51) and long gaps (n = 18) were as follows: anastomotic leak — 1.9%, 2%, 5.5% (P = 0.66), strictures requiring dilatation — 32%, 33%, 50% (P = 0.67), GORD — 51%, 59%, 72% (P = 0.58) and need for fundoplication — 11%, 20%, 44% (*P = 0.02). There were no deaths related to the repair.

Conclusions

Measured gap length at the time of surgery did not have a linear relationship with leak or stricture rate. Our experience suggests that when primary repair is possible absolute gap length is irrelevant to the development of post-operative complications. There is however a significant increase in the need for fundoplication in those with a long gap.     

Outcomes in esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate outcomes in newborns with esophageal atresia (EA) or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) with respect to prognostic classifications and complications.Methods: Charts of all 144 infants with EA/TEF treated at British Columbia Children’s Hospital (BCCH) from 1984 to 2000 were reviewed. Patient demographics, frequency of associated anomalies, and details of management and outcomes were examined.Results: Applying the Waterston prognostic classification to our patient population, survival rate was 100% for class A, 100% for class B, and 80% for class C. The Montreal classification survival rate was 92% for class I and 71% for class II (P = .08). Using the Spitz classification, survival rate was 99% for type I, 84% for type II, and 43% for type III (P < .05). The Bremen classification survival rate was 95% “without complications” and 71% “with complications.” Complications included stricture (52%), gastroesophageal reflux (31%), anastomotic leakage (8%), recurrent fistula (8%), and pneumonia (6%). Seventeen patients underwent fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux, 16 pre-1992 and one post-1992.Conclusions: Comparing the major prognostic classifications, the Spitz classification scheme was found to be most applicable. In our institution, the trend in management of gastroesophageal reflux after repair of EA/TEF has moved away from fundoplication toward medical management.     

Lengthening technique for long gap esophageal atresia and early anastomosis

Background/Purpose: The treatment of long gap esophageal atresia remains a major surgical challenge. Whereas many approaches have been used for this problem, none are ideal. The authors used a technique originally described by Dr John E. Foker and accomplished early repair in 3 infants with long gap atresia. Methods: Three infants with esophageal atresia underwent thoracotomy shortly after birth and had a long gap preventing primary anastomosis. External traction sutures were placed on each esophageal pouch and exteriorized through the thoracic wall. The esophageal ends were approximated 1 to 2 mm daily by traction on the sutures. Anastomosis was performed when the 2 ends came together. Results: Three infants were included (31, 34, 37 weeks gestation, weights 1.38 kg, 1.9 kg, and 2.3 kg, respectively). The esophageal gaps were 3, 5, and 4.5 cm, respectively. Definitive anastomosis was performed at 14, 17, and 10 days, respectively. Two patients had anastomotic leaks that were treated conservatively. One patient had an esophageal stenosis that required dilatation. Conclusions: This technique allowed rapid esophageal lengthening in these 3 cases and led to early repair of long gap esophageal atresia, avoiding the need for a prolonged hospitalization or eventual replacement as well as long-term swallowing difficulties. J Pediatr Surg 38:737-739. [copy ] 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.