Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and instruments for neonates have allowed even the most complex neonatal procedures to be approached endoscopically. In 1998 the first successful thoracoscopic repair of an esophageal atresia was performed in a 2-month-old infant. One year later the first totally thoracoscopic repair of an atresia with distal fistula was realized. Over the ensuing 5 years these techniques have become more refined and widespread so that this technique is now being performed all over the world with excellent results, while avoiding the significant short- and long-term morbidity associated with thoracotomy in neonates.