ABSTRACT
Objective Base on the local pathology, the early diagnosis and a reasonable treatment for congenital esophageal stenosis (CES) were discussed. Methods Forty two cases of congenital esophageal stenosis during 1980～2000 were reviewed retrospectively, including age, vomitus and frequency, nutrition and development, diagnostic method used and operative pathological findings, time of normal feeding and time of nutritional restoration. Results According to local pathology, there were 26 cases of tracheobronchial remnant, 11 fibromuscular stenosis, 3 membranous diaphragm, and 2 ectopic gastric mucosa. Membranous diaphragm excision gave the best result without postoperative dilatation. The patients were followed up for 4～10 years, Normal feeding was restored in 1 month in 78 6%, 9 5% in 6 months, and 11 9% in 1 year. Conclusion Persistent vomiting of undigested food and failure in gaining weight are the chief complaints of congenital esophageal stenosis. The confirmatory diagnosis depends on barium swallowing and esophagoscopy. A good result can be achieved by follows local resection and necessary postoperative dilatation.