Esophageal substitution or esophageal elongation procedures in patients with complicated esophageal atresia? Results of a comparative study

Retrospective study of 276 pediatric patients with complex esophageal atresia comparing esophageal replacement procedures (colonic interposition and gastric transposition) to elongation techniques. Results showed esophageal substitution achieved superior long-term deglutition outcomes (98.2% normal function) compared to elongation procedures, with excellent/good quality of life in 90% of patients despite 30% cervical leak rate.