Extrathoracic esophageal elongation with Foker technique in patients with Type-A esophageal atresia. A case series

Abstract

Background: Long-gap esophageal atresia (EA) is not amenable to primary anastomosis though the goal of surgical treatment is to restore the patency in the native esophagus; the Foker technique is one of the methods that can accomplish it. Case Presentation: This case series consists of three patients who presented with a type-A long-gap EA. Extrathoracic esophageal elongation was achieved using the Foker technique. During the first stage, we utilized pledgeted sutures reinforced with titanium clips for elongation that began five days after the surgery. As the elongation progressed, and the gap between esophageal pouches decreased, we restored the continuity of the esophagus. On follow-up, all patients needed pneumatic dilatation of the esophagus. Conclusion: The Foker technique successfully restored the esophageal continuity using the native esophagus in our patients with esophageal atresia.