Refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture after esophageal atresia surgery improved with retrograde balloon dilatation through gastrostomy followed by laparoscopic fundoplication: a case report

Abstract Background An esophageal anastomotic stricture (EAS) after an esophageal atresia surgery occurs in approximately 4–60% of the cases, and its first-line therapy includes balloon dilatation. Oral balloon dilatation cannot be performed in some EAS cases; conversely, even if dilatation is possible, these strictures recur in some cases, necessitating a surgical procedure for repairing the stenosis. However, these procedures are invasive and have short- and long-term complications. If an EAS recurs repeatedly after multiple balloon dilations, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be the underlying cause. A fundoplication procedure may be effective for treating a refractory EAS, as in the present case. Case presentation A neonatal patient with type D esophageal atresia underwent thoracoscopic esophago-esophageal anastomosis at the age of 1 day, and her postoperative course was uneventful. Thereafter, the patient underwent gastrostomy for poor oral intake at the age of 3 months. After gastrostomy, the patient presented with a complete obstructive EAS. Balloon dilatation via the oral route was attempted; however, a guidewire could not be inserted into the EAS site. Hence, retrograde balloon dilatation via gastrostomy was performed successfully. However, the EAS recurred easily thereafter, and laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery was performed to prevent GERD. The anti-reflux surgery cured the otherwise refractory EAS and prevented its recurrence. Conclusions Retrograde balloon dilatation is another treatment option for an EAS. When an EAS recurs soon after dilatation, the patient must be evaluated for GERD; if severe GERD is observed, an appropriate anti-reflux surgery is required before dilating the EAS.