[Delayed primary anastomosis for esophageal atresia].
The aim of study is to review patients with esophageal atresia, treated by means of delayed primary esophageal anastomosis at Vilnius University Children's Hospital. Study was performed by retrospective analysis of medical records including period of 1992-2002, and clinical evaluation of late results. There were 97 patients with esophageal atresia, and 17 (17.5%) of them were selected for delayed primary esophageal anastomosis. This method was introduced in year 1993. Out of 17 patients selected for delayed primary esophageal anastomosis; 4 died from septic complications. Early complications included leakage of the anastomosis for six patients; four of them recovered after conservative treatment. Esophageal stricture occurred in 5 patients, and was resolved by bouggienage. The follow-up of 13 survivors at present is from 2 to 10 years. Gastroesophageal reflux was diagnosed in 4 patients, one of them was cured with Nissen fundoplication; others received medication. All at present are developing normally. None of them suffer from dysphagia. They do not need esophageal dilatation. We have found that in this group of patients elongation of esophageal segments and delayed primary esophageal anastomosis is effective and esophagus saving procedure.