The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 23, 62-66, Copyright © 1977 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Circular myotomy of the esophagus: clinical application in esophageal atresia
MS Slim
Three infants born with esophageal atresia that was repaired by end-to- end
anastomosis combined with a circular myotomy on the upper segment are
reported. The distance between the free surgical margins of the esophagus
ranged between 1.5 and 4.5 cm. The esophageal myotomy was used to reduce
the tension on the anastomosis. The suture line healed in each patient
without clinical or roentgenographic evidence of breakdown. Follow-up of
these patients ranged between 10 months and 3 years. Roentgenographic
evaluation of their esophageal motility showed efficient peristaltic
activity in the distal esophageal segment. Two of the patients had a
subsequent history of impaction of solid particles in the upper esophageal
segment at the age of 13 months and 2 years. The possibility that the
circular myotomy contributed to this increased incidence of impaction is
raised.