TOAST Co-Lead presents at 7th International Conference on Esophageal Atresia (INOEA)

Published on Saturday, 03 May 2025

TOAST Co-Lead Mr Iain Yardley, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon from Evelina London, presented at the 7th International Conference on Esophageal Atresia (INOEA) in Istanbul on 2nd May 2025.

The conference consisted of a two-day programme of worldwide experts speaking on all aspects of Oesophageal Atresia (OA) and Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula (TOF) care, from antenatal diagnosis to transition to adulthood and beyond. His presentation, entitled 'Routine use of PPI in esophageal atresia children under age 1 year: Should it still be recommended?' highlighted the need for a randomised clinical trial to determine whether gastric acid suppression medication can reduce strictures following OA/TOF surgical repair. The conference agreed with the need for this trial and there is widespread interest in the international OA/TOF community in the results. OA/TOF babies are prone to experience reflux, and this reflux is often associated with strictures, oesophagitis, and pulmonary complications. TOAST Study – funded by NIHR - is currently in set up with NPEU, and will be opening to recruitment in Autumn 2025.