Multiple surgical treatments are available for children with EA, EA/TEF or long-gap EA. Your child's treatment plan may include one or more of the following procedures:

The Foker process. This groundbreaking technique stimulates the upper and lower ends of the esophagus to make them grow inside your baby, allowing them to then be joined together after several days or weeks. 

Static internal traction. Your baby may benefit from this procedure, which provides some esophageal growth and can shorten the time your baby must spend under anesthesia.

Dynamic internal traction. This is another method of growing the esophagus that may be applicable in some situations to shorten the time your baby must spend under anesthesia.

Primary anastomosis. This surgical procedure connects the esophageal gap. Our surgeons have treated hundreds of children with EA, giving them the experience and expertise necessary to successfully connect the esophagus in the first operation.

Jejunal interposition. If the Foker process isn't right for your child, jejunal interposition may be an option. Our surgeons have perfected this sophisticated technique, which uses a section of the jejunum (the middle part of the small intestine) as a replacement for the missing section of esophagus. This procedure generally results in shorter stays and fewer complications than alternatives, such as colonic interpositions or gastric pull-ups.

Because children with EA are at higher risk for experiencing acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition) and other concerns, they should undergo follow-up endoscopy at least once after surgical repair, as well as if they develop new or worsening symptoms.