Esophageal elongation by bougienage and delayed primary thoracoscopic anastomosis for pure esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula

Retrospective study of 15 patients with pure esophageal atresia demonstrates that esophageal elongation by bougienage followed by delayed thoracoscopic anastomosis is safe and effective for long-gap defects. All patients achieved anastomosis without leakage, though stricture and reflux complications were common during follow-up.