COMPLICATIONS AFTER GASTRIC TRANSPOSITION IN CHILDREN

Background and objective: Esophagogastrostomy with gastric transpositi on, a procedure for replacement of the esophagus in cases of esophagea l atresia, is increasing in popularity among pediatric surgeons. This study was undertaken to document the differences between postoperative complications in children and those reported in adults, Patients and methods: The authors reviewed the medical records and radiologic image s for details of complications in 6 children (5 boys and 1 girl) who u nderwent esophagogastrostomy with gastric transposition for esophageal atresia. Follow-up ranged from 18 months to 12 years. The observation s were compared with complications in adults, as reported in the liter ature. Results: The complications of gastric transposition were classi fied as early (up to 1 month after surgery) or late (more than 1 month after surgery). They included anastomotic leak (in 1 patient), hernia (in 1) and recurrent stricture (in 3). In 1 patient mediastinal absce ss developed secondary to esophageal perforation, which occurred durin g a dilatation procedure for stricture, Conclusions: Postoperative com plications of gastric transposition occur less commonly in children th an in adults, Benign stricture, which may occur both early and late, i s the most common problem.