Manometric variations following spiral myotomy for long-gap esophageal atresia.

We have previously demonstrated that a spiral myotomy and delayed definitive procedure is a viable alternative for esophageal reconstruction in long-gap esophageal atresia. In this study we sought to determine whether this procedure leads to esophageal motility disturbances and to compare the manometric findings with controls as well as with those seen in children with esophageal atresia and primary anastomosis. Six beagles had esophageal transection and a spiral myotomy, one had esophageal transection without a myotomy, and two served as normal controls. Following esophageal reconstruction, esophageal manometry was studied in all dogs using a standard pull-through technique. We found that the three control dogs all had similar manometric findings with normal peristalsis. In contrast, the dogs with a spiral myotomy all had propagation of waves in the myotomized segment but termination of waves at the anastomotic site. There was delayed velocity through the myotomized segment and retrograde peristalsis distally. Finally, upper esophageal sphincter pressure was elevated, while lower esophageal sphincter pressure was similar to that in the normal dogs. These findings are similar to those described in children with primary anastomosis and suggest that (a) spinal myotomy is a good alternative to other esophageal replacement options in patients with long-gap esophageal atresia and that (b) the motility dysfunction observed in children with esophageal atresia following primary anastomosis may be secondary to the disruption of the vagus nerve and that may be part of the congenital abnormality or secondary to surgical trauma.