ABSTRACT

Introduction: Atresia of the esophagus with long gap is used as a synonym for esophageal atresia type I, but for operational purposes are all those that, regardless of their type impossible primary anastomosis. The technique of external esophageal elongation (procedure of Foker) provides an option of early anastomosis. Does not exist in the literature any national experience reported with this technique, there are few studies that describe the efficacy and safety in newborns. Description of the cases: Two premature both with Down syndrome and esophageal atresia type long gap of 4.5 cm and 6 vertebral bodies, respectively; both practical esophageal elongation with 4 external and 7 days of traction and achieved primary anastomosis to the 33 and 37 days of life. Discussion: The technique of Foker allowed in our neonates reach lengths sufficient for designing the early anastomosis in the atresias of esophagus type long gap; with a modification of the original method this technique can represent an option for this conduct of esophagoplasty in stages over the newly born of high risk with prematurity and chromosomal abnormalities with minor complications to other esophagoplasties late.

KEYWORDS

Esophageal elongation, external traction, premature.

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