Esophageal Atresisa

Question 1

Give the definition of Esophageal Atresia (EA)

Answer 1

Congenital malformation where esophagus is completely stenotic or ends in a
blind pouch.

Often occurs in conjunction with tracheoesophageal fistula/TEF (usually distal esophagus connects to trachea)

Question 2

reDiagnosis-Clinical picture of Esophageal Atresia

Answer 2

■ Polyhydramnios in utero due to inability to swallow amniotic fluid.

■ Neonates drool, choke, vomit with first feed.

■ Transesophageal fistula allows air to enter the stomach, visible on chest x-ray.

■ Dx with inability to place a nasogastric tube into the stomach esophagoscopy/bronchoscopy.

Question 3

Treatment of Esophageal Atresia

Answer 3

Maintain airway.

Suction secretions.

Don’t feed until an end-to-end anastomosis of the EA can be made.

TEF will need to be ligated.