Reoperation after esophageal replacement in childhood

Esophageal replacement is associated with significant morbidity that may lead to operative interventions. This study reviews the management and outcome of children who underwent reoperation after esophageal replacement.

Eighteen patients who underwent esophageal replacement from 1985 to 1997 were reviewed retrospectively. Ten patients underwent reoperation. Patient management, perioperative morbidity, and the dietary intake at follow-up were recorded for each patient.

Of the reoperated patients, 7 had esophageal atresia, 2 had caustic ingestion, and 1 had achalasia. Nine patients received a colon interposition, and 1 received a reverse gastric tube as the initial esophageal replacement. Seven patients required revision of the anastomoses. Three patients required complex esophageal reconstruction: 1 underwent gastric transposition, 1 underwent free jejunal graft, and 1 underwent gastric transposition combined with free jejunal graft. Seven patients were eating well at follow-up. Two patients still required partial gastrostomy tube feeding. One patient died 6 months postoperatively from aspiration pneumonia.

Esophageal replacement continues to be a challenging operation associated with significant complications. Most reoperative procedures were directed toward strictures and persistent fistulae. Complete graft failure can be managed by gastric transposition or free jejunal graft. Despite the perioperative morbidity, most patients have good functional outcome.