Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair is surgery to repair two birth defects in your esophagus and trachea. Your esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Your trachea, or windpipe, is the tube that carries air to the lungs.

These defects usually occur together:

• Esophageal atresia is when the upper part of the esophagus does not connect with the lower esophagus and stomach.
• Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a connection between the upper part of the esophagus and the trachea or windpipe.

TEF repair; Esophageal atresia repair

This surgery is almost always done soon after birth. Surgery is done while the child is in a deep sleep and pain-free from general anesthesia.

Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia can usually be repaired at the same time.

• The surgeon will make a cut on the right side of the chest between the ribs.
• The fistula, which is the abnormal connection between the esophagus and windpipe, is closed off.
• Then the upper and lower portions of the esophagus are sewn together.

If the 2 parts of the esophagus are too far apart, then:

• < Page
1 2 3
• >

Next Section

Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair Risks

Review Date: 01/30/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)