Gastroesophageal reflux: prevalence in adults older than 28 years after correction of esophageal atresia.
OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER)related complications after correction of esophageal atresia (EA).


BACKGROUND
The association of EA and GER in children is well known. However, little is known about the prevalence of GER and its potential complications in adults who have undergone correction of EA as a child.


METHODS
Prospective analysis of the prevalence of GER and its complications over 28 years after correction of EA by means of a questionnaire, esophagogastroscopy, and histologic evaluation of esophageal biopsies.


RESULTS
The questionnaire was returned by 38 (95%) of 40 patients. A quarter of the patients had no complaints. Swallowing solid food was a problem for 13 patients (34%), and mashed foods for 2 (5%). Heartburn was experienced by 7 patients (18%), retrosternal pain by 8 (21%). However, none of the patients were using antireflux medication. Twenty-three patients (61%) agreed to undergo esophagogastroscopy, which showed macroscopic Barrett esophagus in 1 patient, which was confirmed by histology. One patient developed complaints of dysphagia at the end of the study. A squamous cell esophageal carcinoma was diagnosed and treated by transthoracic subtotal esophagectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows a high incidence of GER-related complications after correction of EA, but it is still very disputable if all EA patients should be screened at an adult age.
Pediatric Surgical Center of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital AMC, PO box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Jacqueline A
JA
Deurloo
Seine
S
Ekkelkamp
Joep F W M
JF
Bartelsman
Fibo J W
FJ
Ten Kate
Mak
M
Schoorl
Hugo A
HA
Heij
Daniel C
DC
Aronson
D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery