Experiences in the Treatment of Esophageal Atresia with Rehbein’s Olive Technique

Abstract

Today, esophageal atresia with lower fistula does not present major problems and can be treated successfully, even in prematures of group C according to Waterston. Difficulties arise, however, from long-gap esophageal atresia where primary anastomosis is not possible. In the majority of these cases lower fistulas are absent. Improved intensive care makes the long-term care of such children possible, even without salivation drainage via cervical esophagostomy. Waterston’s colonic interposition, formerly accepted with enthusiasm, is being increasingly driven out by elongation methods which eventually allow for primary anastomosis. In 1965 Howard and Myers introduced elongation bougienage, for which Hendren developed an electromagnetic technique in 1975 (Hendren and Hale 1975). Livaditis advocated esophagomyotomy for elongation of the upper pouch in 1972 (Livaditis et al. 1972).