Oklahoma's first thorascopic surgery for esophageal atresia

In November, a team of OU pediatric surgeons performed the state’s first thoracoscopic surgery to repair esophageal atresia. The surgical team included Nikola K. Puffinbarger, M.D., pediatric surgery, and chief residents Beth Terry, M.D., and Nate Kreykes, M.D. It is estimated that worldwide, the procedure has been performed by fewer than 200 surgeons. Esophageal atresia is a lethal condition that occurs when a baby’s esophagus has not developed properly and does not connect to the baby’s stomach. As a result, the baby has no way to receive adequate nourishment. The condition occurs in about one in 4,000 babies. According to David W. Tuggle, M.D., section chief, Pediatric Surgery, about eight cases are seen here annually.