esophageal atresia

Epidemiology

• 1 in 4000 births; 1 in 2500 births

Pathology

• in most cases, the upper esophagus terminates & does not continue as the lower esophagus
• frequently associated with tracheoesophageal fistula
• affected infants may also have congenital heart detects or other congenital anomalies

Clinical manifestations

• cyanosis with attempted feedings
• coughing, gagging, & choking with attempted feeding
• drooling
• poor feeding

Management

• considered a surgical emergency
• surgical repair as soon as possible after stabilization
• nothing by mouth prior to surgery

More general terms

• atresia (atretic, atresic, imperforate)
• esophageal disease