Quality of Life Related to Disease Following Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia Repair
Overview
This study evaluates the long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children who underwent thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia (EA). Significant eating-related difficulties were identified as the primary area of impairment.
Background
Survival rates for esophageal atresia repair have improved significantly, with some reports indicating rates exceeding 90%. Understanding the long-term quality of life for these patients is crucial, particularly as the surgical approach may influence outcomes. This study focuses on a cohort managed exclusively with thoracoscopy, addressing a gap in the literature regarding approach-specific HRQoL.
Data Highlights
Age Group
Overall QoL%
Eating Difficulties QoL%
2-7 years
76%-79%
63%-70%
8-17 years
76%-79%
63%-70%
Key Findings
Overall HRQoL ranged from 76% to 79% across age groups.
Eating difficulties were the most impaired domain, with QoL% between 63% and 70%.
No domain scores differed significantly from European reference data after Bonferroni correction.
Child-parent agreement on HRQoL was strong (Pearson r = 0.83).
Clinical variables tested showed no significant association with HRQoL in bivariate analyses.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should monitor eating-related difficulties in patients post-thoracoscopic repair.
Conclusion
This study provides data on the HRQoL of children post-thoracoscopic EA repair, highlighting eating difficulties as a specific challenge.
