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Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair - Overview

Alternative Names

TEF repair; Esophageal atresia repair

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.

  • Reviewed last on: 11/30/2008
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Orenstein S, Peters J, Khan S, Youssef N, Hussain SZ. Congenital anomalies: esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 316.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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