TreaTmenT of ulTra long-gap esophageal aTresia. own experience based on combined foker and kimura Technique

The aim of the study. Authors present their own experience in the treatment of ultra long-gap esophageal atresia using combined Kimura’s and Foker’s methods, while the latter one to our best knowledge has been used for the first time in Poland. material and methods. Multi-stage process of treatment was used in four patients. In three of them, in case of previous spit fistula presence, Foker’s and Kimura’s methods were simultaneously applied. In one of the patients without the spit fistula, only Foker’s method was used. results. Only patients, who completed treatment were discussed: in two of them esophageal anastomosis was achieved, however in one case delayed perforation of esophagus occurred during an attempt of intrathoracic correction of the huge hiatal hernia. conclusions. In the authors’ opinion Foker’s method, eventually in combination with Kimura’s technique (in cases of previous spit fistula), seems to be a promising option for the treatment of ultra longgap esophageal atresia. It allows to save the patients’ own esophagus, and in case of the treatment failure it does not preclude the future use of other methods of esophageal substitution. key words: ultra long gap esophageal atresia, esophageal lengthening, Foker’s operation, Kimura’s operation, salivary fistula, spit fistula