The Complex Esophageal Surgery Program at Lurie Children’s provides specialized surgical care for infants, children and adolescents with congenital and acquired disorders of the esophagus.
This program focuses on conditions that require advanced reconstructive techniques and highly individualized surgical planning. Care is tailored to each child, with an emphasis on preserving esophageal function and supporting long-term outcomes.
The program is designed for children with:
- Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (including long-gap cases)
- Recurrent or refractory strictures
- Caustic injury
- Esophageal duplication cysts
- Failed prior esophageal operations
- Rare or complex congenital anomalies involving the esophagus
The Lurie Children’s Difference
Pediatric surgeons in the Complex Esophageal Surgery Program have expertise in advanced esophageal reconstruction surgery, including:
- Long-gap esophageal atresia repair
- Reoperative esophageal surgery
- Stricture management using advanced endoscopic and surgical techniques
- Esophageal replacement and interposition procedures when necessary
Whenever possible, the team prioritizes preservation of the native esophagus and uses reconstructive approaches designed to support growth, swallowing function and quality of life.
Multidisciplinary, But Surgical-Focused
Children with complex esophageal conditions often benefit from coordinated, multidisciplinary care. The Complex Esophageal Surgery Program works closely with pediatric specialists across Lurie Children’s, while maintaining a strong surgical focus for patients requiring advanced reconstruction.
Collaborative partners may include:
Patients may also be evaluated through established multidisciplinary programs, including the Aerodigestive Program and 4GUT Program, when appropriate:
This coordinated approach helps ensure comprehensive evaluation, streamlined care and individualized treatment planning.
Advanced Endoscopy and Innovation
The Complex Esophageal Surgery Program utilizes advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques to support both diagnosis and treatment, including:
- Advanced therapeutic endoscopy
- Fluoroscopic-guided interventions
- Intraoperative imaging technologies
- Image-guided surgical techniques
These tools allow the team to manage complex esophageal conditions with precision while minimizing invasiveness whenever possible.
Conditions We Treat
- Anastomotic strictures
- Caustic esophageal injuries
- Congenital esophageal stenosis
- Esophageal atresia (including long-gap and complex variants)
- Esophageal perforation
- Esophageal duplication cysts
- Esophageal diverticulum
- Esophageal dysmotility requiring surgical management
- Failed or complicated prior esophageal surgery
- Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula
- Refractory esophageal strictures
- Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease requiring surgical intervention
- Esophageal Duplication or Masses
- Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Frequently Asked Questions
Esophageal atresia is a congenital condition in which the esophagus does not form properly before birth. It often occurs with a connection between the esophagus and the airway (tracheoesophageal fistula). Surgical repair is required shortly after birth.
In some infants, the two ends of the esophagus are too far apart to connect safely at birth. These cases require specialized strategies to lengthen or reconstruct the esophagus.
Many strictures can be managed with endoscopic dilation. However, recurrent or complex strictures may require surgical revision.
We reserve esophageal replacement for rare situations when the native esophagus cannot be preserved. Every effort is made to avoid replacement when safe and possible.
Yes. Children with esophageal disorders benefit from long-term monitoring for feeding progression, reflux, growth and airway issues.
Yes. We frequently evaluate patients from across the region and nationally for second opinions regarding complex or failed prior repairs.
Our Specialists
Seth D. Goldstein, MD, MPhil
Attending Physician, Pediatric Surgery; Director, Surgical Simulation Program; Program Director, Fellowship in Pediatric Surgery
What to Expect
First Visit
During the first visit, the care team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to better understand the child’s condition and prior treatment history. This visit typically includes:
- Detailed review of medical and surgical history
- Review of prior imaging and operative reports
- Discussion of current symptoms and concerns
- Development of a personalized care plan
If additional evaluation is needed, the team may recommend further studies, such as:
- Contrast esophagram
- Endoscopy
- Cross-sectional imaging
These studies help guide treatment planning and ensure the most appropriate approach for each child.
Treatment Planning
Every child’s condition is unique. After the evaluation, the team will develop an individualized treatment plan based on symptoms, prior interventions and overall goals of care. Treatment may include:
- Observation and monitoring
- Endoscopic dilation
- Surgical revision
- Esophageal reconstruction
The team works closely with families to explain recommended options, discuss potential risks and benefits, and review expected recovery and follow-up care.
Preparing for Your Visit
To help make the visit as productive as possible, families are encouraged to bring:
- Prior operative reports
- Imaging discs (if performed at outside institutions)
- Recent clinic notes
- Growth charts
- Current medication list
Providing these materials in advance can help streamline evaluation and reduce the need for repeat testing.
Make an Appointment
We offer several scheduling options for your child's care needs.
Our Location
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000