Qualitative Features of Esophageal Fluorescence Angiography and Anastomotic Outcomes in Children

Repair of Esophageal Atresia (EA) is one of the most common esophageal procedures in infants and yet, it can be quite challenging. EA repairs can be complicated by leak or stricture in up to 23% and 42% of cases, respectively.[1] These rates are greater than for other gastrointestinal (GI) anastomoses presumably due to the lack of serosa, mesentery, and limited esophageal length.[2,3] Evidence suggests that tension, tissue quality, and perfusion are key factors in GI anastomotic healing. [4,5] These factors are assessed intraoperatively by surgeons in a subjective fashion and concerns exist regarding the reliability and accuracy of these assessments.