Long-term Complications of Congenital Esophageal Atresia, Single Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate general health condition of children operated for esophageal atresia, including complications from gastrointestinal tract and skeletal defects. METHODS Between 1990 and 2005, 77 patients were operated for esophageal atresia in the Polish Mothers Health Memorial Hospital. The study was based on retrospective analysis of medical case records of all children with esophageal atresia. All living patients (n=51) were invited for follow-up studies. RESULTS Pathological gastroesophageal reflux was found in 46.7% of children. Scoliosis was diagnosed in 20 patients. Chest deformations were observed in 43.3% children. CONCLUSION The absence of clinical symptoms does not exclude the presence of gastroesophageal reflux in children operated for esophageal atresia. Children operated for esophageal atresia should be followed up regularly by a multispecialistic medical team.