Esophagitis and Barrett esophagus after correction of esophageal atresia.
BACKGROUND
Gastroesophageal reflux is a frequent problem after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of esophagitis and Barrett esophagus more than 10 years after repair of EA.


METHODS
Ninety-two patients treated between 1973 and 1985 were included in this prospective study. A questionnaire was completed by 86 patients; esophagogastroscopy was performed in 49 patients.


RESULTS
Only 36 patients had no complaints at all. Thirty-one patients complained of difficulties swallowing solid food; 23 complained of heartburn. Esophagogastroscopy revealed grade 3 esophagitis in 2 patients and a macroscopic image of Barrett esophagus in 2. Histology showed esophagitis in 30 patients, gastric metaplasia in 3, and no intestinal metaplasia (Barrett esophagus).


CONCLUSIONS
For epidemiologic reasons, that is, the short interval of follow-up (10 years) and the low compliance of the study group, larger numbers are needed to decide if routine long-term endoscopic screening after repair of EA is necessary. For now, it cannot yet be recommended. The prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease in this study group is higher than that in the general population, but we found no severe complications of gastroesophageal reflux in the pediatric age group.
Deurloo
Jacqueline A
JA
Pediatric Surgical Center of Amsterdam, Emma Childrens Hospital AMC and VUmc, Meibergdreefg 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ekkelkamp
Seine
S
Taminiau
Jan A J M
JA
Kneepkens
C M Frank
CM
ten Kate
Fibo W J
FW
Bartelsman
Joep F W M
JF
Legemate
Dink A
DA
Aronson
Daniel C
DC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000209:etiology*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000209:etiology*; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires