Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula

Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula is a congenital structural abnormality that affects 1:4500 live infants. It is due to failure of the primitive foregut tube to separate correctly into oesophagus and trachea. About 50% have associated abnormalities, of which the VACTERL (Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-oEsophageal, Renal and Limb) association is the most common. Prematurity is common and all have some degree of tracheomalacia. Surgery of the common type can be performed through a fourth interspace thoracotomy or by thoracoscopy.
Source: Surgery (Medicine Publishing) - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: PAEDIATRIC SURGERY - II Source Type: research