Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Early and late results in 86 patients.

A series of 86 infants (54 boys and 32 girls) with congenital oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula underwent operation during the years 1952--76. The operative technique is described. The average survival rate was 45%, increasing to 56% during the last 10 years. With correction for low birth weight and associated congenital anomalies, the survival rate is considerably increased, in our series to 73%. In most of the fatal cases, the causes of death were suture leakage, pulmonary complications and associated anomalies. Among the 36 survivors, 19 became free from symptoms and 19 had a radiographic stricture, but in the latter group dysphagia was present in only 13, including 10 who required repeated dilatation with a Fogarthy balloon catheter. It is emphasized that correct and early diagnosis and meticulous pre- and postoperative care are of the greatest importance if the cure rate is to be improved further.