[Developments in management of esophageal atresia]

The results of treatment of oesophageal atresia show that attentiveness and knowledge of the referring paediatrician concerning diagnostics, preoperative care and transport, together with concentration of high-standard care and specific experience in centres for paediatric surgery, can lead to a substantial decrease in morbidity and mortality. Between 1955 and 1968 a total of 193 children have been operated for oesophageal atresia. Mortality has declined from 51% in the period 1955-1969 to 10% in the timespan 1980-1986. Mortality is almost solely determined by additional congenital malformations, in which congenital heartdefects form the major cause. Management of oesophageal atresia seems to have evolved to a routine-procedure. New trends in paediatric surgery pose new sorts of specific problems, that require attention.