The comparison of established methods in surgery is necessary in order to evaluate the advantages or disadvantages of each. We have therefore tried to include discussions of all the problems which arise in the treat- ment of long-gap esophageal atresia. The long-term results of different types of colonic interposition, of different "stretching" procedures, and of simple staged surgery seemed especially worthy of discussion. It was also important to describe the role of complications caused by special pathology of the trachea in esophageal atresia and their management. Second, new problems...