Esophageal Atresia: A Challenge from Prenatal Diagnosis to Surgical Treatment Atrésia Esofágica: Um Desafio desde o Diagnóstico Pré-natal ao Tratamento Cirúrgico

Abstract

Esophageal atresia is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus, characterized by disruption of its continuity, with a prevalence of 1 per 2500 to 4500 live births. The approach to this condition, since diagnosis in the prenatal period to surgical treatment in the neonatal period, is an important challenge, both for the obstetrician and the pediatric surgeon. Regarding to prenatal diagnosis, ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and biochemical analysis of amniotic fluid are relevant. On the other hand, concerning to surgical treatment, nowadays there are available minimal invasive surgical techniques, with less musculoskeletal sequelae, less pain in the post-operative period and a better esthetic final result. In this article, the authors review the different prenatal diagnostic techniques available, as well as different approaches to the surgical treatment.