diagnose the condition using x-ray imaging or by passing a catheter through the nose and into the esophagus. Esophageal atresia is indicated if the catheter hits an obstruction 4-5 in (10-13 cm) from the nostrils.
Esophageal atresia is a disorder of the digestive system in which the esophagus does not develop properly. The esophagus is the tube that normally carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Alternative NamesTracheoesophageal fistula
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsEsophageal atresia is a congenital defect, which means it occurs before birth. There are several types. In most cases, the upper esophagus ends and does not connect with the lower esophagus and stomach. The top end of the lower esophagus connects to the windpipe. This connection is called a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Some babies with TEF will also have other problems, such as heart or other digestive tract disorders.
Other types of esophageal atresia involve narrowing of the esophagus, and may also be associated with other birth defects.
Esophageal atresia occurs in about 1 out of 4,000 births.
SymptomsBefore birth, an ultrasound performed on the pregnant mother may show too much amniotic fluid, which can be a sign of esophageal atresia or other blockage of the digestive tract.
The disorder is usually detected shortly after birth when feeding is attempted and the infant coughs, chokes, and turns blue. As soon as the diagnosis is suspected, an attempt to pass a small feeding tube through the mouth or nose into the stomach should be made. The feeding tube will not be able to pass all the way to the stomach in a baby with esophageal atresia.
An x-ray of the esophagus shows an air-filled pouch and air in the stomach and intestine. If a feeding tube has been inserted, it will appear coiled up in the upper esophagus.
TreatmentEsophageal atresia is considered a surgical emergency. Surgery to repair the esophagus should be done quickly after the baby is stabilized so that the lungs are not damaged and the baby can be fed.
Before the surgery, the baby is not fed by mouth. Care is taken to prevent the baby from breathing secretions into the lungs.
Expectations (prognosis)An early diagnosis gives a better chance of a good outcome.
ComplicationsThe infant may breath saliva and other secretions into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia, choking, and possibly death.
Other complications may include:
Prematurity may complicate the condition.
Calling your health care providerThis disorder is usually diagnosed shortly after birth.
Call your baby's health care provider if the baby vomits repeatedly after feedings, or if the baby develops breathing difficulties.
ReferencesOrenstein 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.
Congenital Esophageal Atresia
Surgery is the only treatment.
esophageal hiatus, 100% sure
no
The lower esophageal sphincter must open to permit vomiting.
Esophageal atresia occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 live births.
The cause of esophageal atresia, like that of most birth defects, is unknown.
Esophageal Atresia
Surgery to correct esophageal atresia is usually successful. Post-operative complications may include difficulty swallowing, since the esophagus may not contract efficiently, and gastrointestinal reflux, in which the acidic.
The two most common congenital esophageal abnormalities are esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).
Congenital Esophageal Atresia
EA/TEF is reported to occur in about 1: 4500 births
No, there is a 30-40% chance of Down Syndrome when duodenal atresia is diagnosed.
Congenital lack of the connection between esophagus and stomach; food cannot enter the stomach
About 10% of children with EA have what is called the VATER syndrome
he fistula will first be closed off, creating a separate airway. Then the blind esophageal pouch will be opened and connected to the other portion of the esophagus
tiny white frothy bubbles of mucus in the infant's mouth and sometimes in the nose as well