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Breakthrough: Engineered Oesophagus Offers Hope for Children

3/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College London have engineered an oesophagus for children with long-gap oesophageal atresia (LGOA).
LGOA affects about 180 births annually in the United Kingdom and often requires multiple surgeries.
The organ uses a pig scaffold.
Tests in pigs showed the grafts functioned like natural tissue.
Experts hope to offer the treatment within five years.

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Story summary

Scientists at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College London have engineered an oesophagus for children with long-gap oesophageal atresia (LGOA).
LGOA affects about 180 births annually in the United Kingdom and often requires multiple surgeries.
The organ uses a pig scaffold.
Tests in pigs showed the grafts functioned like natural tissue.
Experts hope to offer the treatment within five years.