Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) study: the first report in children to evaluate the oropharyngeal dysphagia after esophageal atresia repair

First pediatric study using FEES to assess swallowing after esophageal atresia repair finds pharyngeal abnormalities in 38% of patients, with long-gap cases showing significantly higher rates of dysfunction and aspiration (40%) compared to short-gap repairs. Findings suggest routine swallowing evaluation may be warranted, particularly in long-gap EA patients.