Comparison of outcomes of thoracoscopic primary repair of gross type C esophageal atresia performed by qualified and non-qualified surgeons.

PURPOSE: Although thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia has become widespread, most studies are based on operations performed by expert surgeons. Therefore, the outcomes of operations performed by non-expert surgeons are not well known. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes based on operator skill level.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and outcomes of patients with Gross type C esophageal atresia, who underwent primary thoracoscopic repair at our hospital between January 2014 and August 2016. Outcomes of surgeries performed by qualified surgeons, as determined by the Japanese Society for Endoscopic Surgery were compared with those of non-qualified surgeons. All operations were performed by or under the supervision of one qualified surgeon.

RESULTS: Nine operations were performed by qualified surgeons and six operations by non-qualified surgeons with >10 years of experience in surgery. None of the patients developed anastomotic leakage or recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. However, the operative time and rate of stricture formation at the beginning of the weaning period were significantly higher in the latter group (P = 0.008 and 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS: Although supervision of experts would improve results in thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia, the results indicate that good skill is necessary to avoid anastomotic stricture.