Abstract
Seventeen patients of 8 months to 8 years of age were studied after successful repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. Each patient was interviewed clinically and and underwent esophageal manometric studies, and the results were compared to those of mormal 28 infants. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LES) in the two groups did not differ in resting pressure and length. Fifteen of 22 normal infants had normal peristalsis of esophagus, while all but two of esophageal atresia group patients had abmormal esophageal motor function showing either simultaneous contraction, spastic contraction or no contraction. Normal relaxation of LES was observed in 8 of 14 patients investigated. Esophageal symptoms including vomiting, regurgitation and dysphagia were found in 4 of 17 patients. No significant difference in resting pressure of LES was noted between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. But the length of LES in 4 symptomatic patients was significantly shorter than in asymptomatic patients. No peristalsis was recorded in those three of 4 symptomatic patients and no relaxation of LES was observed in all of them. Two patients demonstrated gastroesophageal reflux and required anti-reflux operation.
