[Atresia of the esophagus. Experience in 33 patients]

The authors present their experience in the management of 33 patients with esophageal atresia. Twenty-six of them were type III (fistula from the lower end of the esophagus); four cases were "H" type of fistula and three cases were type one (with no fistula). In the type III group (26 patients) the major associated malformations seemed to be the most important factor that contributted to the mortality rate. Birth weight and the age at the moment of the diagnosis, did not seem to influence the final outcome. In this group, 13 patients died (50% mortality), ten patients had major associated malformations, all of them died (100% mortality). 16 patients did not have associated malformations; from them, only three died (18% mortality). All the patients with type "H" malformations survived. All the patients with type I malformations underwent gastrostomy and a cervical esophagostomy. One patient died in the immediate postoperatory period. The second one underwent a successful colon interposition and the third one was lost from control.