Abstract
After repair of esophageal atresia (EA) in a newborn, esophageal dysmotility presenting
as dysphagia and symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux are common. Significant esophageal
morbidity associated with EA extends into adulthood. In adulthood approximately one-fifth
of the patients have developed epithelial metaplastic changes, one-third of these
have intestinal metaplasia (Barrett esophagus). Surgical complications, increasing
age, and impaired esophageal motility predict the development of epithelial metaplasia
after repair of EA. To date, worldwide, eight cases of esophageal cancer have been
reported in young adults treated for EA. Incidence of esophageal cancer after EA repair
is very much likely to increase in the future. Life-long endoscopic follow-up is warranted
in patients with EA.
Keywords
esophageal atresia - long-term outcomes