Esophageal atresia: pre and post-operative management

Abstract

Esophageal atresia is a relatively common congenital malformation occurring in 1:3000-4500 live births. Improvement in surgical, anesthetic and neonatal care has achieved a survival rate near 100% in infants weighing over 1500g and having no major cardiac problem. To achieve these outcomes, as well as a good surgical technique, careful preoperative management (early diagnosis, investigation of associated anomalies, suction of the upper pouch, prevention and treatment of gastric and bowel distension) and accurate postoperative care (postoperative analgesia and ventilation, management of trans-anastomotic and chest tube, prevention, early recognition and treatment of complications) are mandatory.

Keywords::

• esophageal atresia
• preoperative management
• postoperative management

Declaration of interest: Authors certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.