Clinical challenges and outcomes of thoracoscopic versus open repair in esophageal atresia: a single-center retrospective comparative study.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes between thoracoscopic surgery (TR) and open surgery (OR) for esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (EA with distal TEF) and to evaluate the feasibility of TR.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 42 patients who underwent primary surgery for EA with distal TEF from January 2012 to December 2020. We compared the OR and TR groups based on patient characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, and early and late postoperative outcomes.

Results: The TR group had longer operation times and a higher risk for intraoperative hypoxic events. Anastomosis leakage and stricture tended to occur more frequently in the TR group, although not statistically significant. The TR group required a significantly higher number of esophageal balloon dilatations (P = 0.006).

Conclusion: Successful TR for EA with distal TEF requires advanced anesthesia and efforts to overcome the learning curve of surgical skill with limited thoracoscopic instruments for neonates. Despite challenges, TR is considered a feasible method for EA with distal TEF patients when performed by experienced pediatric surgeons with appropriate anesthesia support.