Defective upper gastrointestinal function after repair of combined esophageal and duodenal atresia.

Background: Both esophageal atresia (EA) and duodenal atresia (DA) involve deficient anti-reflux barrier, poor esophageal function and eventually, duodenogastric reflux. This study aims at examining the upper gastrointestinal functional status in a cohort of patients with both EA and DA.

Methods: A retrospective survey of patients treated for EA and DA between 1965 and 2012 was conducted. Clinical charts, office visits, imaging, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophageal pH metry/impedance were used to assess the long-term condition of the esophagus, the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or the need for fundoplication.

Results: Twenty out of 581 patients treated for EA had associated DA. Ten/twenty children survived; 1 had primary esophageal replacement. With a median follow-up of 9 years, 8/9 had complicated outcomes and 5 still suffered digestive ailments: 2 GER; 1 eosinophilic esophagitis; 1 nodular gastritis, and 1 wrap herniation. A total of 10 procedures were performed: 8 fundoplications, 1 esophagogastric dissociation and 1 replacement with colon.

Conclusions: The association of EA with DA involves a poor upper digestive function with high risks of GERD and fundoplication failure. The lifelong synergistic play of esophageal, gastric and duodenal dysfunctions in these patients prompts long-term follow-up, and eventually active treatment.