[Long gap esophageal atresia: Schärli versus Foker]

PURPOSE. To submit the short and long term results of long-gap esophageal atresia (EA) with two surgical techniques. METHODS. We carried out a retrospective study of long-gap type EA without fistula (n=8) and with fistula (n=2) over the last 18 years, comparing the outcome of the Schärli technique (1992) with that of the Foker technique (1997). RESULTS. We included 10 patients with long gap EA. Mean birth weight was 2,418 grams. 30% had associated diseases (VACTERL, Down Syndrome, DiGeorge Syndrome). Gastrostomy or jejunostomy was initially placed in 7 patients. Schärli technique was performed in 4 patients (mean age: 3.3 months), and Foker technique in 6 patients (median age: 23.5 days of life). Complications were: a) Schärli: dehiscence (25%), stenosis (75%), one patient died from his heart disease (25%), colonic herniation through diaphragmatic hiatus (25%). The mean number of stricture dilatations was 7 sessions (S.D. 9.2). a) Foker: dehiscence (83.3%), stenosis (83.3%), gastroesophageal reflux (GER) (83.3%), fistula (16.7%). Mean number of dilatations was 13.7 sessions (S.D. 12.8). All patients operated on with Schärli technique (6-18 years, median follow-up 12 years) were asymptomatic at the time of the study, although one of them had grade III esophagitis in the last biopsy. As for the Foker's, 5 had undergone antireflux surgery and only one was asymptomatic. The rest had complications that were still being treated (stenosis and development of fistulae). CONCLUSION. Treatment of long gap EA remains a surgical challenge. In our experience patients developed fewer complications with the Schärli technique. Nevertheless, it is difficult to make a comparison with such a limited number of patients.