Thoracoscopic-Assisted Esophagectomy and Laparoscopic Gastric Pull-Up for Lye Injury

BACKGROUND: Acquired esophageal strictures in children are often the result of ingestion of caustic agents. We describe 2 children with severe esophageal strictures following lye ingestion, who successfully underwent esophagectomy and gastric pull-up utilizing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic techniques. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart analysis of both patients. CASE 1: A 17-year-old female, who ingested a lye-containing substance, which lead to the need for gastrostomy and esophageal dilatations, developed an esophageal stricture. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy, laparoscopic gastric conduit creation, pyloroplasty, gastric pull-up, and esophagogastric anastomosis was performed one year later. She was tolerating a regular diet for almost 4 years following esophageal replacement when she developed a gastric ulcer with gastrobronchial fistula that required open repair via a right thoracotomy. She has since recovered and resumed her regular diet. CASE 2: A 13-month-old female who ingested a lye-based cleaner underwent tracheostomy and gastrostomy on the day of injury, and esophageal dilatations beginning 1 month later. Despite dilatations, she developed severe strictures for which at age 21 months she underwent thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization, laparoscopic creation of gastric conduit, pyloroplasty, and esophagogastric anastomosis. A right thoracotomy was necessary to negotiate the conduit safely up to the neck. She is tolerating feeds and has not developed any complications for nearly 3 years following esophageal replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Esophagectomy and gastric pull-up for esophageal lye injuries can be accomplished utilizing a combination of thoracoscopy and laparoscopy with excellent results. Long-term follow-up is necessary to manage potential complications in these patients.