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tracheoesophageal fistula/atresia
A fistula connecting the trachea with the esophagus.
Etiology:
- congenital (tracheoesophageal atresia)
- acquired
Epidemiology:
- most cases diagnosed immediately after birth or during infancy
- rare cases may present in adulthood
Complications:
- pulmonary aspiration
- comorbid developmental anomalies
Management:
- endotracheal intubation with endotracheal tube place distal to fistula
- surgery
- delay repair in infants with low birth weight, pneumonia, or other major anomalies
- parenteral nutrition, gastrostomy, suction awaiting surgery
General
esophageal fistula
tracheal fistula
References
- Sharma S and Duerksen D
eMedicine: Tracheoesophageal Fistula
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/186735-overview