# Successful treatment of corrosive esophageal atresia in a child using combined antegrade-retrograde dilation: a case report

## TL;DR

A child with severe esophageal damage from alkali ingestion was successfully treated with a new endoscopic dilation method, avoiding surgery.

## Contribution

The paper introduces combined antegrade-retrograde dilation (CARD) as a novel minimally invasive treatment for pediatric corrosive esophageal atresia.

## Key findings

- The patient resumed oral feeding within two days of treatment.
- At three months post-treatment, the child had normal eating without complications.
- CARD is presented as a feasible alternative to surgery for selected cases of esophageal atresia.

## Abstract

Corrosive esophageal injury in children may rarely lead to complete atresia. No standardized treatment exists for pediatric corrosive esophageal atresia. This case demonstrates a novel minimally invasive approach. A 12-year-old male developed complete esophageal atresia after accidental ingestion of industrial alkali. He underwent combined antegrade-retrograde endoscopic dilation (CARD) with balloon dilation and covered stent placement. Oral feeding resumed by postoperative day two, and at three-month follow-up, he reported normal eating without complications. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported use of CARD for pediatric corrosive esophageal atresia, demonstrating it as a feasible and effective minimally invasive alternative to surgery in selected cases.