What is associated with esophageal atresia?

Esophageal atresia is incomplete formation of the esophagus, frequently associated with tracheoesophageal fistula. Diagnosis is suspected by failure to pass a nasogastric or orogastric tube. Treatment is surgical repair.

What is the pathophysiology of esophageal atresia?

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect.

Which findings are common in neonates born with esophageal atresia?

Esophageal atresia is most commonly detected after birth when the baby first tries to feed and has choking or vomiting, or when a tube inserted in the baby’s nose or mouth cannot pass down into the stomach. An x-ray can confirm that the tube stops in the upper esophagus.

What are the signs and symptoms of esophageal atresia?

What are the symptoms of esophageal atresia?

• Bluish-colored skin when feeding.
• Choking, coughing or gagging when feeding.
• Foamy mucus in the mouth.
• Spitting up or drooling.
• Trouble breathing.

What is the most common associated congenital anomaly with esophageal atresia?

Non-isolated EA/TEF refers to cases of EA/TEF that occur along with other congenital defects, but without a known genetic defect. Heart defects are the most common associated congenital defect. Some individuals with non-isolated EA/TEF have VACTERL/VATER association.

What does vacterl stand for?

VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities.

What is the procedure for esophageal atresia?

During esophageal atresia surgery, the surgeon will pass a tube from the mouth to the stomach, going through the newly sewn-together esophagus. This “feeding tube” will be used for the first week or so after surgery.

How is TEF diagnosed?

The diagnosis of EA/TEF is confirmed by attempting to pass a nasogastric tube (a tube that runs from the nose to the stomach via the esophagus) down the throat of infants who have require excessive suction of mucus, or are born to mothers with polyhydramnios, or, if earlier signs are missed have difficulty feeding.

What is EA and TEF?

Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare conditions that develop before birth. They often occur together and affect the development of the esophagus, trachea or both. These conditions can be life-threatening and must be treated shortly after birth.

What is a transesophageal fistula?

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between these two tubes. As a result, swallowed liquids or food can be aspirated (inhaled) into your child’s lungs. Feeding into the stomach directly can also lead to reflux and aspiration of stomach acid and food.

Is TEF curable?

For TEF, the primary goal of therapy is closure of fistula between digestive and respiratory fistulas. Most of the fistula cannot be approached surgically. Moreover, medication treatment is unable to cure the disease. The therapy of TEF is always a challenge in medicine.

What are the parts of the esophagus?

The esophagus is subdivided into three anatomical segments: cervical, thoracic, and abdominal. The cervical segment begins at the cricopharyngeus and terminates at the suprasternal notch. This segment lies just behind the trachea, to which it is joined via loose connective tissues.

What is esophageal atresia (EA)?

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect.

How is esophageal atresia treated in babies?

Esophageal atresia can be life-threatening, so the baby has to be treated quickly. Doctors perform surgery to connect the esophagus to the stomach in babies with this condition. Babies who are otherwise healthy have surgery just a few days after they are born.

What is long gap esophageal fistula (EA)?

In some children, so much of the esophagus is missing that the ends can’t be easily connected with surgery. This is known as long-gap EA. EA frequently occurs along with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and as many as half of all babies with EA/TEF have another birth defect, as well.

How is esophageal atresia related to tracheo-esophagal fistula?

Esophageal atresia is closely related to tracheo-esophageal fistula and can be divided into 1: 1. Bluestone CD. Pediatric otolaryngology. Saunders. (2003) ISBN:0721691978.