Surgical repair of esophageal atresia: do trans-anastomotic feeding tubes have an impact on the outcome?

Trans anastomotic feeding tubes (TATs) offer benefits in terms of early enteral feeding, and shorter duration of parenteral nutrition for patients with EA/TEF undergoing surgical repair. At the same time, they don't seem to add a risk of anastomotic leaks or strictures. Large prospective randomized studies are required to further evaluate any possible relationships between TATs and the postoperative complications following repair of EA/TEF.