Thoracoscopic Versus Open Repair for Oesophageal Atresia: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 359 Patients at a Single Center.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to define the effectiveness of thoracoscopic versus open repair of gross type C oesophageal atresia (EA) based on the experience of a single centre over a decade.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were admitted to Hunan Children's Hospital between January, 2010 and December, 2021 and underwent repair surgery for type C EA.

RESULTS: A total of 359 patients underwent type C EA repair during the study period, of which 142 were completed via an open approach and 217 were attempted via a thoracoscopic approach (seven converted to open surgery). There were no differences in the demographics or comorbidities between the patients of thoracoscopy and thoracotomy (open repair) groups. The median operating time was 109 [90, 133] min in the thoracoscopic surgery group, which was slightly shorter than that in the open repair group (115 [102, 128] min, p = 0.059). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 41 (18.9%) and 35 (24.6%) infants in the thoracoscopic and open surgery groups, respectively (p = 0.241). Thirteen patients (3.6%) died in the hospital without significant differences in the repair approach. With a median follow-up of 23.7 months, 38 (13.6%) participants had one or more anastomotic strictures requiring dilatation, without significant differences in the repair approach (p = 0.994).

CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic repair of congenital EA is safe, and has perioperative and medium-term outcomes similar to those of open surgery. This technique is recommended only in hospitals with experienced teams of endoscopic paediatric surgeons and anaesthesiologists.