What is the pathophysiology of esophageal atresia?

What is the pathophysiology of esophageal atresia?

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect.

What is esophageal atresia associated with?

Esophageal atresia is incomplete formation of the esophagus, frequently associated with tracheoesophageal fistula. Diagnosis is suspected by failure to pass a nasogastric or orogastric tube. Treatment is surgical repair. (See also Overview of Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies.)

What is the difference between esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula?

TE fistula is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. Esophageal atresia happens when the esophagus has 2 segments. These parts don’t connect to each other. Your child’s healthcare provider will often spot symptoms of these issues soon after your baby is born.

How is esophageal atresia treated?

In most cases of tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia repair, the surgeon cuts through the abnormal connection (fistula) between the windpipe and esophagus and then sews together the two ends of the esophagus. The windpipe is also repaired.

Is tracheoesophageal fistula life threatening?

Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are life-threatening problems. They need to be treated right away. If these problems are not treated: Your child may breathe saliva and fluids from the stomach into the lungs.

How common is long gap esophageal atresia?

TEF was the most common (occurring in 94% of EA + VACTERL patients), closely followed by cardiac (in 78%), vertebral (in 63%) and renal (in 62%) defects. Patients with LGEA were more likely than those with non-LGEA to have isolated esophageal atresia with no other anomalies (25% vs. 1%; p <0.0001).

What are the different types of esophageal atresia?

Esophageal atresia classification according to Gross. According to the system formulated by Gross, the types of esophageal atresia and their approximate incidence in all infants born with esophageal anomalies are as follows: Type A – Esophageal atresia without fistula or so-called pure esophageal atresia (10%)

Is there a genetic link to esophageal atresia?

Although the exact cause of esophageal atresia is not well known, experts believe there is a genetic link involved. Nearly half of all infants born with EA have some other type of congenital birth defect. 4  Birth defects that commonly occur along with esophageal atresia may include:

When does an esophageal atresia develop in a baby?

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital condition involving the incomplete formation of the esophagus (the muscular tube through which swallowed food and liquid passes to the stomach). A congenital condition is one that develops in utero (the womb) and is present at birth.

Where is an incision made for esophageal atresia surgery?

Anesthesia is given to put the infant to sleep so that surgery is pain free. An incision is made on the side of the chest (between the ribs). The fistula (TEF) between the esophagus and the trachea (windpipe) is closed. The upper and lower parts of the esophagus are sewn together (anastomosis).