Use of intercostal muscle in primary repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula.
Forty-one patients with esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula underwent primary repair. Results are compared among patients in whom an intercostal muscle graft was interposed between the trachea and esophagus and those without the graft. Patients with muscle interposition had lower morbidity and mortality and better long-term results.