Endoscopic Ultrasound Findings in Esophageal Atresia Following Surgical Repair

Children with esophageal atresia who undergo surgical repair are at risk for anastomotic stricture following surgery. Esophageal stricture can be treated with serial endoscopic dilation but may ultimately need surgical resection if the stricture proves refractory to therapy. Several risk factors have been reported for development of recalcitrant stricture, but to date, no studies have specifically examined the relationship between anastomotic thickness and echotexture at time of initial postoperative endoscopy and treatment outcomes. Other risk factors that have been implicated in the development of recalcitrant stricture include gastroesophageal reflux disease, anastomotic leak, long-gap esophageal atresia, and gestational age. Moreover, it is poorly understood how esophageal layers alter and progress with repeated therapeutic dilation. The investigator hypothesize that the initial thickness and echotexture will help determine therapeutic outcome. It will also help us understand the progression of esophageal echotexture following therapeutic dilation.