A flexible approach to achieve a true primary repair for all infants with esophageal atresia

Histological study of the elongated esophagus in a rat model

“…Similarly to several surgical techniques used for esophageal elongation (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17), in this study the esophagus was elongated by traction as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to clarify which part of the esophagus was elongated by traction.…”

“…Esophageal elongation by traction suture has been used for the management of long-gap esophageal atresia (EA) in pediatric patients (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)). Foker's method is one of the surgical techniques used to elongate the esophagus.…”

The Effect of Traction on Esophageal Structure in Children with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia

“…These are more often cases of pure atresia without fistula and bringing together the esophageal pouches is more challenging [4]. The methods commonly used in these severe cases include an esophageal lengthening procedure, or esophageal substitution with an intestinal segment or gastric transposition [2]. Over the last two decades, a technique has been developed at our institution by the author (J.E.F.)…”

“…Primary repair is usually possible in the majority of these soon after birth. Esophageal gaps in excess of 2.5-3.0 cm are referred to as "long-gap EA" [2,3]. These are more often cases of pure atresia without fistula and bringing together the esophageal pouches is more challenging [4].…”

Treatment of Ultra Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia. Own Experience based on Combined Foker and Kimura Technique

“…The original method of staged subcutaneous lengthening of previously created spit fistula of the upper part of the esophagus was presented by Kimura (11,12). The most recent technique of esophageal lengthening was developed by Foker (2,13).…”