Gastroesephageal reflux and related motility disorders after esophageal atresia : a clinical study

The most common congenital malformation of the esophagus is esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Successful repair of EA does not ensure normal esophageal function. Disturbed esophageal motility and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are often detected after repair of EA. GER can cause feeding problems, esophagitis, recurrent strictures, aspiration and respiratory complications. The aims of this thesis were to study the incidence of GER after EA, the long-term complications, especially regarding GER and related gastrointestinal motility disorders in patients with repaired EA. Esophageal pH monitoring was performed in 12 infants after EA repair. Patients with a reflux index (R.l.) >5% at I month of age developed symptoms of GER, such as vomiting, failure to thrive or respiratory symptoms. Patients with R.l.