Current surgical strategies in long-gap esophageal atresia with regard to endoscopic anastomosis.

Elongation procedures for long-gap esophageal atresia are discussed. Elongation treatment according to Howard and Myers was performed in seven cases. Primary anastomosis following advance treatment could be carried out five times and esophageal elongation and anastomosis by means of the olive-and-thread method in two cases. Resulting stenoses were dilated. Endoscopic thread insertion and olive bougienage resulted in severe stenosis in two cases. This method should therefore be reserved for longer distances.