title: A simple technique of oblique anastomosis can prevent stricture formation in primary repair of esophageal atresia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anastomotic stricture is an important problem after esophageal atresia (EA) repair. This study evaluates a technique of oblique esophageal anastomosis without use of a flap in order to prevent stricture formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records of 16 patients (14 with EA type III and 2 with EA type IV Ladd-Gross classification) who underwent primary repair of EA at birth without anastomotic tension were reviewed, evaluating long-term follow-up results. All patients were studied with esophageal contrast study, pH-multichannel intraluminal impedance, and endoscopy. The incidence of complications and their management were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Contrast esophagogram and esophagoscopy always showed regular patency of the suture line.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our technique of oblique anastomosis is simple, safe, and effective in preventing stricture formation even in the long-term follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Surgical Unit, Department of Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. pieralba.catalano@libero.it
authors.forename: Pieralba
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Catalano
authors.forename: Maria Rita
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Di Pace
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salerno
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cimador
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Grazia
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004944:Esophagoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome