The surgical approach to esophageal atresia repair and the management of long-gap atresia: results of a survey

Foker process for the correction of long gap esophageal atresia: Primary treatment versus secondary treatment after prior esophageal surgery

“…More recently in LGEA patients, axial tension on the proximal and distal esophageal segments has been shown to reliably induce sufficient esophageal growth to allow for a primary esophageal repair [1,2]. Initially described in 1997, the Foker process (FP) can be technically demanding; however, particularly when the atretic lower segments are very small [2].One criticism of the FP is the relative rarity of LGEA cases overall, surgeon comfort-level and expertise, and, consequently, few centers have the patient volume required to construct, refine, and maintain the necessary skills in a multidisciplinary team dedicated to the treatment of these infants and young children [3]. Our own institution started utilizing the FP primarily for all LGEA patients in 2005; even less has been described in LGEA patients who have undergone prior reconstruction attempts and their outcomes versus primary repairs.…”

New approaches to pectus and other minimally invasive surgery in Argentina

“…According to the literature, the optimal approach for LGEA repair is controversial [2,3]. At Fundación Hospitalaria Private Children's Hospital, we use the thoracoscopic approach [8,9].…”

“…We define long gap as any esophageal atresia in which the distance between the atretic esophageal ends prevents a primary anastomosis [3]. We designed an algorithm based on the patient's status and on the surgical techniques.…”

International innovations in pediatric minimally invasive surgery: the Argentine experience

“…We define it as any esophageal atresia (EA) in which the distance between the pouches prevents a primary anastomosis [8]. These cases constitute 10% to 20% of all patients with EA.…”