ABSTRACT
AIM: This systematic review analyzed outcomes in thoracoscopic "primary" repair of type-C esophageal atresia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Healthcare Database Advance Search, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were researched by 2 independent reviewers. Non-English, mixed procedures (open/thoracoscopic) and staged-repair articles were excluded. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2018, 173 articles were identified of which 14 met the inclusion criteria and 382 neonates analyzed. Lowest reported age and weight were 28 gestational weeks and 830 g, respectively (gestational weeks: 28 to 41 wk; birth weight: 830 to 3960 g), with 136/382 (36%) having associated comorbidities. All procedures were performed in Cuschieri modified decubitus position with 3 ports (3.5 to 5 mm) and 30-degree scopes. Azygos vein sparing approach was reported in 4/14 (28.5%) articles; and if divided 70% preferred sealing/diathermy devices. Preferences for fistula ligation were sutures in 5/13 (38%) articles, clips or hemlock in 4/13 (30.7%), sutures with clips in 4/13 (30.7%) and no data in 1/14. Transanastomotic tubes placement was reported in 9/14 articles (others no data). Chest tube placement was preferred in 9/12 (75%) articles; 3/12 no chest tubes; and 2/14 no data. Intraoperative complications were reported in 9/382 (2.3%) neonates-respiratory instability (5/9), endoclip displacement (2/9), and anastomotic leak requiring conversion (2/9). Conversion to open thoracotomy was reported in 12/14 articles in 37/382 (9.6%) neonates. Postoperative complications were reported in 94/382 (25%); 79/94 (84%) anastomotic strictures, 40/94 (42.5%) anastomotic leaks and 5/94 (5.3%) recurrent fistulation. There were 17/382 (4.4%) lethal outcomes (cardiopulmonary failure, sepsis, and 1 intraoperative tracheal rupture). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic "primary" repair of type-C esophageal atresia is feasible in premature/term neonates with a 1:10 conversion rate. Around one third surgeons prefer azygous sparing approach and three fourth placement of chest tubes, but there is no unanimity on the fistula ligation technique. The procedure has morbidity in one fourth patients and 5% mortality.
