title: Early experience of thoracoscopic aortopexy for severe tracheomalacia in infants after esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula repair.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aortopexy is the most effective treatment for severe tracheomalacia associated with esophageal atresia with distal tracheo-esophageal fistula (EA/TOF). In the last few years, the thoracoscopic approach has been proposed, but the number of patients treated is limited. The purpose of this study is to review our initial experience with thoracoscopic aortopexy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review of medical records was performed on EA/TOF patients undergoing thoracoscopic aortopexy at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children (London, United Kingdom) from January 2009 to May 2012. Patient demographics, indication, perioperative course, and long-term results when available were noted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four patients underwent a successful thoracoscopic aortopexy, with no operation being converted. No morbidity or mortality was associated with the procedure. Length of postoperative stay ranged from 2 to 4 days. All patients were relieved of their symptoms, and no recurrence was noted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thoracoscopic aortopexy is a feasible and successful treatment for severe tracheomalacia in EA/TOF patients. The complication rate may be lower than after the open procedure and is more satisfactory in terms of cosmetic appearance. However, we need a larger and prospective study with a longer follow-up to confirm these preliminary results.
authors.affiliation: 1 General Paediatric Surgery Department, Great Ormond Street Hospital , NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom .
authors.forename: Alexis P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Arnaud
authors.forename: Dean
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rex
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Curry
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kiely
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pierro
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cross
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Coppi
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D055090:Tracheomalacia / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom