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Updated: May 22, 2026

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Published on: April 17, 2020
Learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia
David C van der Zee1, Stefaan H A J Tytgat, Sander Zwaveling
1Department of Pediatric Surgery KE.04.140.5, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, P. O. Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands. d.c.vanderzee@umcutrecht.nl
Background:
Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia is considered to be one of the more advanced pediatric surgical procedures, and it undoubtedly has a learning curve. This is a single-center study that was designed to determine the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia.
Methods:
The study involved comparison of the first and second five-year outcomes of thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair.
Results:
The demographics of the two groups were comparable. There was a remarkable reduction of postoperative leakage or stenosis, and recurrence of fistulae, in spite of the fact that nowadays the procedure is mainly performed by young staff members and fellows.
Conclusions:
There is a considerable learning curve for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia. Centers with the ambition to start up a program for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia should do so with the guidance of experienced centers.
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