Current treatment concepts for esophageal atresia

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital disease that invariably requires surgical correction. Evaluation of current treatment concepts of EA based on postoperative complications and quality of life (QoL) of affected patients in Germany and an international comparison. Review of current literature and presentation of relevant treatment recommendations. Evidence-based data are scarce with regard to different treatment concepts of EA. The incidence of early complications after EA repair in Germany is similar to results from large international centers described in the current literature. In general, adult patients present with a good QoL after primary esophageal anastomosis; however, after complicated EA repair the QoL is significantly reduced in adult patients compared to the excellent QoL in pediatric patients. In summary, the results of treatment of patients with EA are excellent in Germany also in comparison to international results. Disease-specific symptoms cause significant limitations in the QoL in adulthood. For this reason, a continuous follow-up as well as a standardized transition of patients with EA are essential.