Thoracoscopic versus open repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula at a single institution

Purpose: The potential benefits of thoracoscopic repair (TR) of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in newborns are still unclear. Our aim was to define the criteria, perioperative outcome after undergoing TR versus open repair (OR) for EA/TEF. Patients and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 36 consecutive neonates who underwent EA/TEF repair between 2001 and 2012 in Shizuoka Children's Hospital. Patients in this study were birth weight >2,000 g, and did not have severe cardiac malformations or chromosomal aberrations. Of the 26 newborns who met the selection criteria, 11 patients underwent attempts at TR compared to 15 patients who underwent OR. All cases were followed 1 year after operation at least. Results: All 11 TR were successfully completed. There were no significant differences between intra- and perioperative complications in the two groups. Intraoperative EtCO₂ and arterial blood gases were not significantly different between the two groups. We did not found eating disorder, respiratory disorder, and failure of growth in all cases. Conclusion: In our study, the thoracoscopic approach appeared to be favorable and safe for EA/TEF repair in carefully selected patients.