Definition of Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair:

This article discusses the surgery used to repair two congenital (present from birth) defects of the airway and the digestive tract: tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and esophageal atresia. The problems usually occur together, but they may occur separately.

Description:

This procedure is done while the child is under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free). The surgeon makes a cut in the right chest between the ribs. The tracheoesophageal fistula is closed off, then the upper and lower portions of the esophagus are sewn together.

Indications:

TEF and esophageal atresia are life-threatening problems that often require immediate medical attention and treatment. Untreated, saliva and fluids from the gastrointestinal track may be breathed into the lungs (aspirated), which can cause choking. Normal swallowing and digestion of food cannot occur with the abnormal esophagus.

However, some infants, such as those who have a low birth weight or other birth defects that cause severe illness, may not be able to have immediate surgery. Surgery will be done after the other problems have been treated or have gone away. In these cases, a gastrostomy tube is placed in the stomach to relieve pressure and prevent fluid from moving up the esophagus and into the trachea.

In most healthy infants, certain types of TEF are easier to repair after the baby is a few months old (about 2 to 4 months). While waiting, the esophagus may need to be occasionally stretched and widened. This makes the future repair easier.