Traction Elongation for Treatment of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia

The establishment of continuity in long-gap esophageal atresia continues to be a challenge. Current methods of repair of long-gap atresias generally utilize autologous intestinal replacement grafts from the stomach, small intestine, or colon. We have developed a novel technique for treating long-gap esophageal atresia. This technique is similar to that of distraction osteogenesis whereby gradual continuous directional forces are applied on tissue for the purposes of lengthening. This preliminary report describes a novel method for gradual traction elongation for repair of long-gap atresia of the esophagus. In addition, we report our initial clinical results in three patients.