Esophageal transverse chord following repair of esophageal atresia

Abstract

SUMMARY
Within a period of one year two children were treated for a
transverse intraluminal chord of the esophagus, which
developed following repair of the esophageal atresia and
peripheral tracheo-esophageal fistula. The chord was
located at the level of the anastomosis in the upper third of
the esophagus. In the first child, the chord was partially
obstructing the esophageal lumen, causing severe dysphagia
and requiring dilatation. In the second child, the chord was
causing only mild stenosis and minimal symptoms. There
were no available instruments suitable for the transsection
of the chord and a special snare was improvised on site.
The etiology of this singular formation is unknown. A
possible explanation for this formation is discussed.
Key words: Esophageal atresia, stenosis, transverse chorde