Textbook of Oesophageal Atresia (OA) presents a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most complex and technically demanding conditions in paediatric surgery. OA continues to challenge even the most experienced surgeons, given its intricate anatomy, associated anomalies and significant risk of complications.

This volume is led by Devesh Misra, whose surgical innovations have led to exceptionally low complication rates in OA across decades. These operative innovations, including the ‘Misra cut’, are presented in detail, alongside carefully documented outcomes. As noted in the Foreword by Steve Rothenberg, “a zero anastomotic leak rate and a 20% incidence of stricture in his personal series, are extraordinary by any standard. The next great step will be the integration of Misra’s meticulous open techniques into thoracoscopic and robotic platforms”.

The textbook brings together contributions from an international group of recognised experts, including Paolo De Coppi, Dariusz Patkowski, Shawn St Peter, and others. Authors are drawn from leading centres such as Great Ormond Street Hospital, Harvard University, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and other major institutions in Australia, Europe, Canada and Asia, including All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Across 32 chapters, the book covers the full clinical and research spectrum of oesophageal atresia. Surgical topics include thoracoscopic approach (4 chapters), management of long-gap OA and oesophageal replacement strategies (5 chapters) and tracheomalacia. Complementary chapters address foetal diagnosis, genetics, cardiology, bronchoscopy, and long-term pulmonary and gastrointestinal outcomes into adulthood, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of care. There is an important chapter on atypical presentations, complications and radiological case studies, which will challenge consultants and trainees.

The Textbook of Oesophageal Atresia includes areas of ongoing debate, controversies and international research trials. It is intended as a complete reference work for paediatric surgeons, trainees, and allied specialists involved in the management of this challenging condition. The most unique feature is the generous use of high-quality colour illustrations for various operative techniques. 

Devesh Misra is a Senior Consultant in Paediatric Surgery at the Royal London Hospital, since 1995. He received specialist training in paediatric surgery in Nottingham and Great Ormond Street Hospital. At the age of 33, he was appointed Consultant at the Royal London Hospital, likely the youngest ever in the UK.

His principal clinical interests include neonatal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery and paediatric urology. In the past, he practiced paediatric neurosurgery, oncology and bronchoscopies as well. He has authored and presented more than 150 publications, book chapters, editorials and conference contributions.

He has described his own surgical innovations in fields as diverse as oesophageal atresia, megarectum in anorectal malformations, pyloric stenosis and complex hypospadias (including megalo-urethra). A defining feature of his research has been characterised by prospective data collection from 1995 with meticulous long-term follow-up; several lifetime series have been published till date. His reported outcomes in oesophageal atresia stand out; he has presented some of the lowest complication rates in this arduous field. These results reflect over 30 years of innovation, critical evaluation and refinement of surgical technique. As Chief editor of Oesophageal atresia, he hopes to share his experience with others.

In addition to his clinical and academic work, he has a longstanding interest in sailing and scuba diving and is an avid golfer. Scuba diving with sharks and doing the night-sail from Africa to Spain, are his life’s most memorable experiences.