Introduction

The surgical management of infants born with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) represents one of the major triumphs of pediatric surgery in the twentieth century. After five failed attempts, Dr. Cameron Haight performed the first successful primary repair of a neonate with EA/TEF in 1941 [1]. Since this initial success, advances in surgical technique and neonatal care have steadily improved survival rates in infants born with EA/TEF. Based on 2006 data from a major pediatric referral center, survival of EA/TEF children with birth weights greater than 1500 gm and no major cardiac anomalies is now over 98% [2]. A nationwide analysis published in 2014 discovered that all comers have a survival rate of 91% - a vast improvement from the 100% mortality rate prior to the 1940s. They identified a strong correlation between birth weight, gestational age and mortality [3].

see also Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair

Content in this topic is referenced in SCOREEsophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula overviewEsophagoscopy overview