Quality of life after esophageal replacement in children

PurposeAssessing quality of life (QoL) after esophageal replacement (ER) for long gap atresia (LGEA).MethodsAll patients ER LGEA with gastric pull-up (GPU n = 9) or jejunum interposition (JI 14) at the University Medical Center Groningen and Utrecht (1985–2007) were included. QoL was assessed 1) gastrointestinal-related using Gastrointestinal Quality Life Index (GIQLI)), 2) general (Child Health questionnaire CHF87-BREF (children)/World Organization WHOQOL-BREF (adults)), 3) health-related (HRQoL) (TNO AZL TACQoL/TAAQoL). Association morbidity (heartburn, dysphagia, dyspnea on exertion, recurrent cough) (HR)QoL evaluated.ResultsSix GPU (75%) eight JI (57%) responded to questionnaires (mean age 15.7, SD 5.9, 12 male, two female). Mean gastrointestinal, total scores comparable healthy controls. However, young adults reported a worse physical functioning (p 0.02) but better social compared peers 0.01). Morbidity not associated significant differences in (HR)QoL.ConclusionsWith current validated most have normal generic disease specific scores. Postoperative does seem influence (HR)QoL.Type StudyPrognosis Study.Level evidenceIII.