Related Experiment Videos
Isolated congenital esophageal stenosis
S G Murphy1, S Yazbeck, P Russo
1Division of Pediatric General Surgery, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) often presents after six months with feeding difficulties. Surgical correction via resection and anastomosis is effective for isolated CES, restoring esophageal patency.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) affects 1 in 25,000–50,000 live births, presenting as isolated or with esophageal atresia.
- Histological findings include tracheobronchial remnants, membranous diaphragms, or diffuse fibrosis.
Observation:
- Three patients with isolated CES experienced feeding difficulties after six months, coinciding with solid food introduction.
- Initial evaluation included cine-esophagogram, pH monitoring, manometry, and endoscopy; hydrostatic dilatation provided only transient relief.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the stenotic segment with primary anastomosis via left thoracotomy was performed in all three patients.
- Pathology revealed tracheobronchial remnants in one and fibrotic muscle in two patients.
- Post-surgical recovery was favorable, with an average hospital stay of 8 days and successful solid food tolerance.
Implications:
- CES should be suspected in infants presenting with dysphagia to solids after six months of age.
- Surgical intervention is a definitive treatment for symptomatic isolated CES.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management improve outcomes for CES patients.