Esophageal atresia

Alternative names:

tracheoesophageal fistula

Treatment:

Surgical repair of the esophagus is done quickly after the infant has been stabilized. Before the surgery, the infant is not fed by mouth, and care is taken to prevent the aspiration of secretions into the lungs.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early diagnosis is associated with a better outcome.

Complications:

• prematurity may complicate the condition
• aspiration pneumonia
• feeding difficulties
• reflux (the repeated regurgitation of food) is common after surgery

Calling your health care provider:

This disorder is usually diagnosed shortly after the birth of an infant.

Call your infant's health care provider if the infant regurgitates repeatedly after surgery, or if the infant develops breathing difficulties.