Thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia in infants

: Atresia of esophagus result in absolute lethality without surgical treatment. Posterolateral thoracotomy is a traditional access during such operations, however thoracoscopic methods esophageal atresia has come into practice. Since 2008 all infants (n=22) in our clinic with esophageal atresia have been operated on thoracoscopically. Conversion was performed in 3 observations, 2 children died. Anastomosis insufficiency was diagnosed in 3 patients. 11 children received gullet bougienage in different terms after the operation. Tracheoesophageal fistula recurrence was observed in 2 cases, both were successfully treated thoracoscopically.