Thoracoscopic resection of congenital esophageal stenosis

Ryuta Saka1,2, Hiroomi Okuyama1,2, Takashi Sasaki1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan.

Insights

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) in infants can be treated with thoracoscopic resection, avoiding dilatation complications. This surgical approach offers a promising alternative for CES management, leading to successful feeding outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is a rare condition in infants, presenting with feeding difficulties like dysphagia and failure to thrive.
  • Current first-line treatment, esophageal dilatation, carries a significant risk of complications such as perforation and mediastinitis.

Observation:

  • This report details two infant cases of CES managed with thoracoscopic resection, bypassing the need for initial dilatation.
  • Both infants demonstrated successful recovery without stenosis recurrence post-surgery.

Findings:

  • Thoracoscopic resection facilitated early resumption of solid food intake in both cases.
  • One infant required subsequent fundoplication due to postoperative gastroesophageal reflux, a known potential complication.

Implications:

  • Thoracoscopic resection emerges as a potentially safer and effective alternative treatment for congenital esophageal stenosis.
  • This minimally invasive approach may reduce the morbidity associated with traditional dilatation methods in infants with CES.

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