Background: Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) remains technically challenging due to the rarity of these procedures. The aim of this study is to report our experience with thoracoscopic repair of type C EA/TEF and to evaluate the learning curve based upon the surgeon's skill level.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of thoracoscopic EA/TEF repair performed in our center between October 2008 and May 2019. The learning curve was evaluated using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method based on operative time.
Results: Of the 50 consecutive cases evaluated, the mean birth weight was 2634 ± 608 g and the median age at operation was 3 days (range, 1-29 days). The mean operation time was 144 ± 65 min. Anastomosis leakage occurred in 3 cases (6%) and strictures requiring balloon dilatations occurred in 16 cases (32%). The CUSUM analysis evaluated a learning curve of approximately 10 cases of thoracoscopic type C EA/TEF repair. A lower gestational age was associated with longer operation time.
Conclusions: Thoracoscopic repair of type C EA/TEF is a feasible and safe procedure. The number of procedures required to achieve a stable learning curve was 10. The learning phase may be shortened by adequate set-up under the supervision of an expert endoscopic surgeon.
Type of study: Retrospective Comparative Treatment Study.
Level of evidence: III.
Keywords: CUSUM; Esophageal atresia; Learning curve; Minimally invasive surgery; Thoracoscopy; Tracheoesophageal fistula.
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