Bridging a gap in oesophageal atresia using Rehbein's technique: dilatation of a thread canal.

During the last 12 years, operations were performed on 144 infants with oesophageal atresia. In 18 of them who were suffering from an atresia with long gap between segments, perlon threads were laid surgically. Continuity of the oesophagus was attempted using Rehbein's technique. The newborn had type II and IIIb atresia according to Vogts' classification. 11 of these 18 infants survived the third week of life. The fibroepithelial canal that had developed along the perlon thread, was dilated in steps in 6. The clinical course and results are reported.