Open AccessLearning Curve of Thoracoscopic Repair of Esophageal Atresia
Author(s) -
Zee David C.,
Tytgat Stefaan H. A. J.,
Zwaveling Sander,
Herwaarden Maud Y. A.,
VieiraTravassos Daisy
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
world journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1432-2323
pISSN - 0364-2313
DOI - 10.1007/s00268-012-1651-8
Subject(s) - atresia , medicine , thoracoscopy , surgery , demographics , cardiothoracic surgery , learning curve , pediatric surgery , stenosis , cardiac surgery , vascular surgery , general surgery , radiology , demography , management , sociology , economics
Background Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia is considered to be one of the more advanced pediatric surgical procedures, and it undoubtedly has a learning curve. This is a single‐center study that was designed to determine the learning curve of thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia. Methods The study involved comparison of the first and second five‐year outcomes of thoracoscopic esophageal atresia repair. Results The demographics of the two groups were comparable. There was a remarkable reduction of postoperative leakage or stenosis, and recurrence of fistulae, in spite of the fact that nowadays the procedure is mainly performed by young staff members and fellows. Conclusions There is a considerable learning curve for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia. Centers with the ambition to start up a program for thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia should do so with the guidance of experienced centers.