Challenges of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Repair in a Patient With Tetralogy of Fallot and Right Aortic Arch

In cases of complex vascular anomalies or rare variants of esophageal atresia (EA), such as long-gap variant, individualized surgical planning becomes even more critical. We present a case report of a patient with long-gap EA, tetralogy of fallot (ToF), and right aortic arch (RAA), in which an initial right thoracotomy was unsuccessful due to unexpected vascular anatomy. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed the precise vascular configuration, prompting a change to a left thoracoscopic approach and staged repair using internal traction followed by early anastomosis. This case underscores the importance of preoperative vascular assessment and highlights the need for flexible surgical strategies in complex EA cases.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-08-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.90412
Primary Topic
Esophageal and GI Pathology
Type
article
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0.00
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article

Challenges of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Repair in a Patient With Tetralogy of Fallot and Right Aortic Arch

Marek Wolski, Ewa Biegańska
Cureus
Esophageal and GI Pathology
article

Challenges of Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia Repair in a Patient With Tetralogy of Fallot and Right Aortic Arch

Marek Wolski, Ewa Biegańska
article en

Abstract

In cases of complex vascular anomalies or rare variants of esophageal atresia (EA), such as long-gap variant, individualized surgical planning becomes even more critical. We present a case report of a patient with long-gap EA, tetralogy of fallot (ToF), and right aortic arch (RAA), in which an initial right thoracotomy was unsuccessful due to unexpected vascular anatomy. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed the precise vascular configuration, prompting a change to a left thoracoscopic approach and staged repair using internal traction followed by early anastomosis. This case underscores the importance of preoperative vascular assessment and highlights the need for flexible surgical strategies in complex EA cases.

CureusVol. 17(8)
Medical University of Warsaw (PL)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Esophageal and GI Pathology
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