What is the Difference Between Esophageal Atresia and Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula?
What is the difference between esophageal atresia and tracheo esophageal fistula?
Esophageal atresia is a birth defect that occurs when the esophagus does not connect to the stomach. The esophagus becomes blocked, and food cannot pass through it into the stomach. Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is another type of birth defect where there are abnormal connections between the trachea and esofagus. TEFs usually occur in infants who have been born prematurely or with low birth weight, but can also happen after surgery for other congenital defects such as Tetralogy of Fallot or pyloric stenosis.
The main difference between these two conditions is that an atresia blocks food from passing through while a TEF allows air to escape into the intestines during swallowing which causes gas buildup and leads to complications such as pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), chronic lung disease, apnea/bradycardia events, gastroesophegeal reflux disease (GERD), aspiration pneumonitis and acid reflux disorder in infants under six months old [1]. Esophagectomy may be necessary if medical treatment fails because this condition can lead to death without surgical intervention [2].
What is esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula TEF )?
What is esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula TEF)?
Esophageal atresia is a birth defect where the esophagus does not connect to the stomach. Tracheo-esophageal fistula TEF) occurs when there are abnormal connections between the windpipe and lower part of the esochagus, which may lead to food or liquid being inhaled into lungs instead of passing through them.
What is the risk for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula?
Esophageal atresia is a birth defect that occurs when the esophagus does not develop properly. The esophagus connects to the stomach and should have an opening (a fistula) for food to pass through into the stomach, but in this case it does not. Esophageal atresia can be associated with tracheoesophageal fistula which is where there is a connection between the trachea and esophagus as well as other abnormalities such as tetralogy of Fallot or congenital heart defects.
The risk for developing these conditions may increase depending on whether they are related or unrelated, if one has been previously diagnosed with any of them before, how many organs are affected by either condition, and what type of surgery will need to be done in order to correct it. If both conditions occur together then there would be a higher risk because they would require two surgeries instead of just one operation; however if only one had occurred then there would still be some increased chance from having only one organ involved rather than two different ones requiring separate operations.
What are some of the complications of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula?
Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is a birth defect that occurs when the esophagus does not connect to the stomach. This results in food and fluid being unable to pass through into the stomach, which can lead to problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), pneumonia, and other complications. If left untreated, this condition could be fatal for infants or young children who are unable to eat properly. The main complication of esophageal atresia with tracheo-esphgeal fistula is GERD because it causes fluids from the mouth and throat back up into the lungs where they cause infection leading to respiratory distress syndrome or pneumonia. Surgery has been shown as one way of treating this condition by connecting an opening between both organs so that food can pass through more easily without causing any further damage.
How does surgery affect children born with this condition?
Surgery is the only way to repair a tracheo-esophageal fistula. The procedure involves closing off the abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea, which will allow food to go down into the stomach instead of going up into the lungs. This will also prevent air from entering through that opening in order for them to breathe properly. If not corrected, they could develop pneumonia or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Who else should be seen by a doctor if they have been diagnosed with this condition or are worried that they may have it?
If someone has been diagnosed with esophageal atresia, then their pediatrician will likely want to see them. They may also need to see an otolaryngologist (a type of ear, nose and throat specialist), as well as a surgeon who specializes in the treatment of congenital heart defects. Additionally, people who have had surgery for tetralogy of Fallot or any other congenital heart defect might need additional follow-up care from an otolaryngologist after their procedure.
