ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of Patients with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Perioperative, Surgical, and Long-Term Management

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 2021 Jun;31(3):214-225. doi: 10.1055/s-0040-1713932. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence supporting best practice for long-gap esophageal atresia is limited. The European Reference Network for Rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) organized a consensus conference on the management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia based on expert opinion referring to the latest literature aiming to provide clear and uniform statements in this respect.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four ERNICA representatives from nine European countries participated. The conference was prepared by item generation, item prioritization by online survey, formulation of a final list containing items on perioperative, surgical, and long-term management, and literature review. The 2-day conference was held in Berlin in November 2019. Anonymous voting was conducted via an internet-based system using a 1 to 9 scale. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of those voting scoring 6 to 9.

Results: Ninety-seven items were generated. Complete consensus (100%) was achieved on 56 items (58%), e.g., avoidance of a cervical esophagostomy, promotion of sham feeding, details of delayed anastomosis, thoracoscopic pouch mobilization and placement of traction sutures as novel technique, replacement techniques, and follow-up. Consensus ≥75% was achieved on 90 items (93%), e.g., definition of long gap, routine pyloroplasty in gastric transposition, and avoidance of preoperative bougienage to enable delayed anastomosis. Nineteen items (20%), e.g., methods of gap measurement were discussed controversially (range 1-9).

Conclusion: This is the first consensus conference on the perioperative, surgical, and long-term management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Substantial statements regarding esophageal reconstruction or replacement and follow-up were formulated which may contribute to improve patient care.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare / methods*
  • Aftercare / standards
  • Esophageal Atresia / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Atresia / pathology
  • Esophageal Atresia / surgery*
  • Esophagoplasty / methods*
  • Esophagoplasty / standards
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Perioperative Care / methods*
  • Perioperative Care / standards
  • Treatment Outcome