Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a rare congenital anomaly that poses major surgical challenges, particularly when the distance between the two esophageal ends exceeds 3 cm. Many surgical techniques are advocated for bridging the gap between the two esophageal ends. In this paper, we propose a simple and effective technique to elongate the esophagus in the long gap EA. This technique has successfully been applied in two infants with type C EA/TEF, where a primary end to end esophageal anastomosis was not feasible. The technique uses two Foley catheters for traction of upper and lower esophageal ends in long-gap EA/TEF. This method helps preserve the native esophagus, providing comfortable suction of the upper esophageal pouch, and assuring postoperative continuous feeding through the lower esophageal segment.
The Elongation of Distal Esophageal Pouch by Mechanical Bougienage for a Year Resulted in a Tension-free Anastomosis in a Patient with Long Gap Esophageal Atresia: A Case Report
