Risk factors for anastomotic complications following thoracoscopic repair of type III esophageal atresia in neonates: a single-center retrospective cohort study

The three major anastomotic complications of thoracoscopic EA repair stem from distinct mechanisms. Anastomotic leak was independently protected by operative time ≤2 h (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.63). The institutional learning curve attenuated traditional risk factors for anastomotic stricture (incidence 74.6%). Recurrent TEF was predominantly associated with respiratory anomalies (OR 8.84, 95% CI 2.09-33.47). This highlights the need for precision-based management. The robustness of these key associations was further confirmed through sensitivity analyses and enhanced methodological rigor, including assessments of predictor correlations and model diagnostics.