Long-term follow-up results after surgical repair of esophageal atresia.

ABSTRACT

Fiftytwo of 55 children, surviving surgical repair of tracheo-esophageal fistula between 1975 and 1985, were reviewed in relation to birth weight and Waterston's risk group after a mean follow-up of 7.5 years. The long-term results of esophageal atresia patients seem good in 30% of the follow-ups. Esophageal dysfunctions and respiratory difficulties were found respectively in 23 (44.2%) and 26 (50%) of the children; all the patients were improving after the first years of life. Scoliosis affected 27 children (51.9%) and its incidence increased with growth. Waterston's classification was a poor prognostic guide, but children weighing less than 2500 g at birth remained of relatively lower weight. The frequent development of scoliosis with age leads to continue evaluations after that respiratory and alimentary problems which might occur in the early years have been overcome.