Intraluminal Bougienage-Based Elongation for Native-Preserving Salvage in Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia

In brief

This article describes intraluminal bougienage as a salvage technique for achieving esophageal lengthening in infants with long-gap esophageal atresia who cannot undergo primary anastomosis. The approach offers an alternative when conventional lengthening strategies fail, prioritizing preservation of the native esophagus.

• Native esophagus preservation is the primary goal in long-gap esophageal atresia management.
• Some LGEA infants remain unsuitable for anastomosis despite spontaneous growth or standard lengthening techniques.
• Intraluminal bougienage-based elongation offers a salvage option when conventional strategies fail.
• This technique provides an alternative to esophageal replacement procedures in select LGEA cases.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.