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Highlights & Basics
- Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula occurs in 1 of every 2500 to 4000 live births.
- There are no known predisposing factors; however, the condition often presents with other congenital anomalies, including VACTERL complex (vertebral defects, anorectal anomalies, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal abnormalities, radial and renal abnormalities, and limb anomalies).
- Surgical intervention is required as a newborn. While repair is traditionally done via an open thoracotomy, thoracoscopic repair is safe and effective.
- Patients may have long-term complications, such as GERD, tracheomalacia, and chronic respiratory infections.
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Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Krishnan U, Mousa H, Dall'Oglio L, et al. ESPGHAN-NASPGHAN guidelines for the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal and nutritional complications in children with esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016 Nov;63(5):550-70.[Abstract]
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