Survivors of esophageal atresia are reaching their adulthood in large numbers for the first time enabling assessment of true long-term outcome among this group of patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the subject focusing on late symptoms and complications, esophageal pathology and pulmonary function. Relationships between esophageal dysmotility, gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis and epithelial metaplastic changes including esophageal cancer are outlined. In addition to pertinent literature, institutional experience, and follow-up of patients with esophageal atresia for more than 60 years is included.
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Address reprint requests and correspondence: R. J. Rintala, MD, PhD, Professor of Paediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, P O Box 281, FIN-00029 HUS, Finland
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