Description
Information about a birth defect that affects the lungs and digestive tract.
Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia are common birth defects. This condition is usually diagnosed shortly after birth. The problem involves the windpipe and lungs, and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long tube consisting primarily of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, and small and large intestines. Food enters at one end and is broken down chemically as it passes through the intestines. Water and nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream, and residual waste is eliminated as bowel movements through the rectum.
During early embryonic development of the gastrointestinal tract mishaps may occur resulting in birth defects. These birth defects, which can occur alone or together with specific developmental disabilities, require surgical intervention in early life. Birth defect of the GI can take several forms. Three of these are: stenosis -- a narrowing of a tube; fistula -- an atypical connection between two parts; and atresia -- a failure of a part of the system to develop.
Fistulas occur most often between the esophagus and the trachea (windpipe). This condition is called tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). The surgeon repairs the fistula by removing the atypical connection between the esophagus and trachea. Surgery of TEF is important to prevent food from entering the lungs, which may cause repeated episodes of pneumonia. This surgery often involves several steps done over a number of months.
A blind pouch of the esophagus, known as esophageal atresia (EA), may accompany a tracheoesophageal fistula. When atresia interrupts the continuity of the esophagus, the surgeon will attempt to connect the separated ends by sewing them together to form what is called an anastomosis. If a connection is impossible, part of the intestine is used as an extension between the two ends of the esophagus, though there are alternative operations available as well.
Long term complications in infants following repair of TEF/EA will vary according to the type of defect and type of surgical repair. The types of feeding problems seen in children with TEF/EA are most frequently due to long-term complications, associated congenital anomalies, or delayed introduction of foods necessitated by delayed surgical repair. If the baby was also born prematurely, the infant may have other feeding problems related directly to the prematurity.
Keywords: birth defect
Publication date: May 29, 2004
Revise date: Jun 12, 2005
TextID: 104
