Spontaneous anastomosis of the esophagus in esophageal atresia.

An operative technique is described for the management of babies with esophageal atresia, where primary anastomosis is either impossible or unsuccessful. The procedure has been performed on six patients. One infant subsequently required resection of a resultant stricture, and one developed a recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula. All six infants required several esophageal dilatations. No patient required dilatation beyond the age of 5 months and all are now swallowing normally and thriving.