Tracheoesophageal fistula repair

Normal anatomy

The trachea and esophagus run next to each other through the chest cavity. The esophagus connects to the stomach, and carries food and saliva to the stomach. The trachea coonects to the lungs and carries air to the lungs.

Review Date: 07/09/01
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

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Indications

A tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital anomaly in which there is a conneciton between the traceha and the esophagus. This is a life-threatening problem requiring immediate intervention. Saliva and gastric secretions may be aspirated into the lungs through the abnormal opening in the trachea. Normal swallowing and digestion of food cannot occur with the abnormal esophagus.

Review Date: 07/09/01
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

Procedure, part 1

Although the surgical procedure varies depending on the location and type of fistula, in general, an incision is made in the right chest. The section of esophagus that contains the fistula is resected.

Review Date: 07/09/01
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

Procedure, part 2

The ends of the esophagus are sutured back together. In many cases, infants are very ill, and therefore require a staged procedure. This involves placing a tube in the stomach (gastrostomy tube), in order to decompress the stomach and prevent fluid in the stomach from flowing up the esophagus, through the fistula and into the lungs. The infant is then cared for in an intensive care unit until he or she is well enough to undergo resection of the fistula and a definitive repair of the esophagus.

Review Date: 07/09/01
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team

Aftercare

The baby will be cared for pre-operatively and post-operatively in a neonatal intensive care unit. He/she will be placed in an isolette (incubator) to keep warm. He/she may require oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation. A chest tube may be in place 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. Length of the hospitalization varies, depending on the seriousness of the surgery and the baby's condition.

Review Date: 07/09/01
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Medical Illustration Team