Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair

Alternative names:

esophageal atresia repair; TEF repair; tracheoesophageal fistula repair

Definition:

Surgery to repair two congenital defects of the airway and the digestive tract which usually occur together, but may occur separately (tracheoesophageal fistula, and esophageal atresia).

Description:

Sometimes, in early fetal development, the airway and upper portion of the digestive tract fail to develop normally. In esophageal atresia, the esophagus is interrupted and ends in a blind pouch. The associated defect is known as tracheoesophageal atresia. The lower portion of the esophagus is abnormally connected to the airway (trachea) by a small channel or tube called a fistula.

Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. If possible, the two repairs are done at the same time. The tracheoesophageal fistula is first closed off. This is done through an incision in the right side, behind the underarm. Then the upper and lower portions of the esophagus are joined together through an incision in the chest.

Indications:

These are life-threatening problems requiring immediate intervention. Saliva and gastric secretions may be aspirated into the lungs through the abnormal opening in the trachea. Normal swallowing and digestion of food cannot occur with the abnormal esophagus.