Published online Dec 27, 2023. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i12.2919
Peer-review started: July 29, 2023
First decision: October 29, 2023
Revised: November 12, 2023
Accepted: December 11, 2023
Article in press: December 11, 2023
Published online: December 27, 2023
Processing time: 151 Days and 2.3 Hours
Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening congenital malformation in newborns, and the traditional repair approaches pose technical challenges and are extremely invasive. Therefore, surgeons have been actively investigating new minimally invasive techniques to address this issue. Magnetic compression anastomosis has been reported in several studies for its potential in repairing EA. In this paper, the primary repair of EA with magnetic compression anastomosis under thoracoscopy was reported.
A full-term male weighing 3500 g was diagnosed with EA Gross type C. The magnetic devices used in this procedure consisted of two magnetic rings and several catheters. Tracheoesophageal fistula ligation and two purse strings were performed. The magnetic compression anastomosis was then completed thoracoscopically. After the primary repair, no additional operation was conducted. A patent anastomosis was observed on the 15th day postoperatively, and the magnets were removed on the 23rd day. No leakage existed when the transoral feeding started.
Thoracoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis may be a promising minimally invasive approach for repairing EA.
Core Tip: Esophageal atresia (EA) is a life-threatening congenital malformation in newborns, and the traditional surgeries pose technical challenges and are extremely invasive. Therefore, surgeons have been actively investigating new minimally invasive techniques to address this issue. In this report, we discussed the primary repair of EA with magnetic compression anastomosis under thoracoscopy. After the primary repair, no additional operation was conducted, and no leakage existed when the transoral feeding started. This case demonstrated that thoracoscopic magnetic compression anastomosis may be a promising minimally invasive approach for repairing EA.