Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Tracheoesophageal fistula repair - series

Overview

Recovery

Risks

Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair

Alternative Names:

TEF repair; Esophageal atresia repair

Expectations after surgery:

This problem can usually be corrected surgically. If the two portions of the esophagus are too short, further reconstruction may be necessary and a gastrostomy tube may be temporarily inserted for feedings.

Convalescence:

The infant will be cared for before and after the surgery in a neonatal intensive care unit. The baby is placed in an isolette (incubator) to keep warm and prevent infection. Oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation may be necessary. A chest tube may be placed to drain fluids. Intravenous fluids and pain medications will be given.

Feedings will be started as soon as possible, depending on the extent of the repair. The length of hospitalization varies, depending on the seriousness of the surgery and the baby's condition.

Review Date: 10/30/2004
Reviewed By: Mary C. Mancini, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, LA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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