• L Michaud, D Guimber, R Sfeir, T Rakza, H Bajja, M Bonnevalle, F Gottrand, and D Turck.
• Unité de gastro-entérologie, hépatologie et nutrition, clinique de pédiatrie, hôpital Jeanne-de-Flandre, 59037 Lille, France.
• Arch Pediatr. 2001 Mar 1; 8 (3): 268-74.

UnlabelledAnastomotic stricture is the most common complication following the surgical repair of esophageal atresia, and is usually treated by esophageal dilation.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to assess in an infant population operated on at birth for type III or IV esophageal atresia: 1) the frequency of esophageal stenosis following the repair of esophageal atresia, and associated factors; 2) the efficacy of esophageal dilation by the Savary-Gaillard bougie technique.Materials And MethodsThe medical records of 52 children presenting with esophageal atresia over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Gestional age and birth weight, duration of mediastinal and transanastomotic drainage, and anastomotic complications including leakage, stricture, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux were recorded and analysed. Patients presenting with anastomotic stricture were compared with a group of children without stricture. The number of esophageal dilations, their efficacy and the complication rate were analyzed.ResultsAnastomotic stricture developed in 20 (40%) of the 50 patients undergoing primary repair for esophageal atresia. The occurrence of anastomotic stricture was related to anastomotic tension during esophageal surgical repair (p < 0.03). Young children required esophageal dilation at a mean age of 142 days (24-930 days). Stricture resolution occurred after a mean of 3.2 dilations (1-15) over an average period of 7.9 months (range: 0-30 months). Dilation was successful in 90% of the 20 patients. Seven patients required only one dilation. Perforation of the esophagus occurred in one case, and this severe complication led to the death of the child. Esophageal dilation was unsuccessful in two patients, who presented prolonged severe dysphagia.ConclusionAnastomotic stricture following repair of esophageal atresia is connected with the length of the gap that has to be repaired, and tension during suture. Esophageal dilation by the Savary-Gaillard bougie technique is an effective method for treating esophageal stricture. Several dilations are usually needed before the disappearance of dysphagia.

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