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Published on: September 11, 2021
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.
Abstract:
Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is rare and usually manifests in infants as dysphagia, failure to thrive, and food impaction. Dilatation is considered to be the first-line therapy for CES, but the incidence of complications (perforation and mediastinitis) is relatively high. We report two cases of CES treated by thoracoscopic resection without prior dilatation. Both infants recovered without recurrent stenosis and were able to eat solid food soon after surgery. One had postoperative gastroesophageal reflux and eventually required fundoplication. Thoracoscopic resection could be a valid option for CES.
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