Esophageal atresia

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Esophagus and stomach anatomy Tracheoesophageal fistula repair - series

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Esophageal atresia

• Excessive salivation
• Drooling
• Poor feeding
• Coughing, gagging, and choking associated with attempted feeding
• Bluish coloration to the skin (cyanosis) associated with attempted feedings
• Excessive amniotic fluid during pregnancy (polyhydramnios)

Prior to birth, the presence of excessive amniotic fluid will arouse suspicion of esophageal atresia or other obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.

After birth, as soon as the diagnosis is suspected, an attempt to pass a small feeding tube (nasogastric 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 was passed it will be seen coiled up in the upper esophagus.

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