Tracheoesophageal fistula
Channel: all the knowledge of the universe PRINCIPIA
Date: 2022-01-17

Tracheoesophageal fistula, by Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?curid=1009178 / CC BY SA 3.0

#Congenital_disorders_of_digestive_system
A tracheoesophageal fistula （TEF, or TOF; see spelling differences） is an abnormal connection （fistula） between the esophagus and the trachea.
TEF is a common congenital abnormality, but when occurring late in life is usually the sequela of surgical procedures such as a laryngectomy.
Radiograph with oral contrast showing h-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a newborn Tracheoesophageal fistula is suggested in a newborn by copious salivation associated with choking, coughing, vomiting, and cyanosis coincident with the onset of feeding.
Esophageal atresia and the subsequent inability to swallow typically cause polyhydramnios in utero.
Rarely it may present in an adult.
Surgical repair can sometimes result in complications, including: Neonates with TEF or esophageal atresia are unable to feed properly.
Once diagnosed, prompt surgery is required to allow the food intake.
Some children experience problems following TEF surgery; they can develop dysphagia and thoracic problems.
Children with TEF can also be born with other abnormalities, most commonly those described in VACTERL association - a group of anomalies which often occur together, including heart, kidney and limb deformities.
6% of babies with TEF also have a laryngeal cleft.
Congenital TEF can arise due to failed fusion of the tracheoesophageal ridges after the fourth week of embryological development.
A fistula, from the Latin meaning 'a pipe', is an abnormal connection running either between two tubes or between a tube and a surface.
In tracheo-esophageal fistula it runs between the trachea and the esophagus.
This connection may or may not have a central cavity; if it does, then food within the esophagus may pass into the trachea （and on to the lungs） or alternatively, air in the trachea may cross into the esophagus.
TEF can also occur due to pressure necrosis by a tracheo...