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Updated: Nov 12, 2025

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
[Long-term consequences of esophageal atresia; esophageal and lung abnormalities in adulthood]
C A Ten Kate1, J Vlot2, L S Kamphuis3
1Erasmus MC-Sophia, afd. Kinderchirurgie, Rotterdam(tevens: Erasmus MC, afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, Rotterdam).
Insights
Adults born with esophageal atresia face increased risks of esophageal cancer and lung issues like bronchiectasis. Early detection by healthcare providers is crucial for improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Congenital Malformations
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital anomaly with increasing adult survival rates.
- Growing adult population with EA necessitates understanding long-term health risks.
- Long-term complications include Barrett's esophagus, esophageal carcinoma, and lung abnormalities.
Observation:
- Case 1: A 42-year-old male with unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- Case 2: A 23-year-old male with Barrett's esophagus, asymptomatic for reflux.
- Case 3: A 51-year-old female with reflux esophagitis and extensive bronchiectasis due to GERD, chronic aspiration, and tracheomalacia.
Findings:
- Adults with EA have a higher incidence of esophageal carcinoma and Barrett's esophagus.
- Lung abnormalities, such as bronchiectasis, are significant comorbidities.
- These conditions can occur even without typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must maintain high awareness of these potential long-term risks in EA survivors.
- Early screening and diagnosis are essential for timely intervention.
- Proactive management can improve the quality of life for individuals with esophageal atresia.
Abstract:
Esophageal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly. Due to increased survival rates, the population of adults born with this malformation is growing. These patients turn out to have an increased risk to develop Barrett's esophagus, esophageal carcinoma or lung abnormalities like bronchiectasis. This is illustrated by three cases: a 42-year-old man with an irresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; a 23-year-old man with a Barrett's esophagus without any reflux complaints; and a 51-year-old women with a reflux esophagitis and extensive bronchiectasis due to a combination of gastroesophageal reflux with chronic aspiration and a reduced sputum clearance because of a history of tracheomalacia. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of these risks and the possible absence of symptoms, in order to detect abnormalities at an early stage and improve quality of life of these patients.
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