Pressure-induced growth (PIG) of atretic esophagus: a contigent management for high-risk esophageal atresia.

A method is described by which a balloon catheter is inserted into the lower pouch, avoiding aspiration pneumonia due to overflow of gastric contents via a lower tracheoesophageal fistula in high-risk cases of esophageal atresia. As a side-effect there is an enlargement of the lower pouch, termed by the authors "pressure-induced growth". The prevention of aspiration pneumonia, induction of growth of the atretic segment, and the application of this method as the first part of a staged management of esophageal atresia in high-risk cases are the advantages.