Thoracoscopic approach for congenital esophageal stenosis

Thoracoscopic resection of congenital esophageal stenosis

Congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) is rare and usually manifests in infants as dysphagia, failure to thrive, and food impaction. Dilatation is considered to be the first-line therapy for CES, but the incidence of complications (perforation and mediastinitis) is relatively high. We report two cases of CES treated by thoracoscopic resection without prior dilatation. Both infants recovered without recurrent stenosis and were able to eat solid food soon after surgery. One had postoperative gastroesophageal reflux and eventually required fundoplication. Thoracoscopic resection could be a valid option for CES.

Laparoscopic treatment of esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnant in a child

Esophageal stenosis due to the presence of abnormal tracheal cartilage in the wall of the esophagus is an uncommon disease, which presents with vomiting or a failure to thrive. Surgical excision of the cartilaginous segment is the preferred treatment. This is a report of a new technique for the treatment of esophageal stenosis in children. We performed a laparoscopic lower esophageal stricturoplasty with anterior fundoplication for esophageal stenosis caused by a tracheobronchial remnant in the wall of the lower esophagus.