Esophageal atresia (also referred to as Oesophageal atresia) is a congenital birth defect which affects the alimentary tract, causing the esophagus to end in a blind-ended pouch rather than connecting normally to the stomach.
Types
| Type | Name(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | "Long Gap", “Pure” or “Isolated” | No fistula. This type of the atresia is characterized by the presence of a “gap” between the two esophageal blind pouches. |
| Type B | Proximal TEF |
The upper esophageal pouch connects abnormally to the trachea (so-called fistula) while the lower esophageal pouch ends blindly. |
| Type C | Distal TEF |
Esophageal Atresia where the lower esophageal pouch makes an abnormal connection with the trachea.This abnormal connection is called a fistula.The upper esophageal pouch ends blindly. |
| Type D | Proximal and distal TEFs |
The upper and lower esophageal pouches make and abnormal connection with the trachea in two separate, isolated places. The upper esophageal atresia ends in a blind pouch. |
| Type E | TEF (tracheoesophageal fistula) ONLY with no Esophageal Atresia |
The esophagus fully intact and capable of its normal functions, however, there is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea (fistula). |
| Type F | Esophageal Stenosis |
The esophagus fully intact and connected to the stomach, however, the esophagus gradually narrows, causing food and saliva to become “caught" in the esophagus. |
Treatment
The most immediate and effective treatment in the majority of cases is a surgical repair, which involves closure of the fistula/s and reconnection of the two ends of the esophagus to each other. If bridging the gap between the upper and lower esophageal segments is impossible, a gastrostomy is performed, allowing tube feedings into the stomach through the abdominal wall, and often a cervical esophagostomy will also be done.
Post operative complications sometimes arise, including a leak at the site of closure of the esophagus. Sometimes a stricture, or tight spot, will develop in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. This can usually be dilated using medical instruments. In later life, most children with this disorder will have some trouble with either swallowing or heartburn or both.