Awareness of utility of esophageal intubation as a simple life saving measure in tracheal agenesis needs to be generated through modifying the neonatal resuscitation training program. The embryogenesis of tracheal agenesis is controversial. They proposed that tracheal atresia with fistula may result from a ventral deformation of the foregut and a concomitant dorsal dislocation of the tracheo-esophageal space, which differentiates into the esophagus and from which the trachea and bronchi take their origin. Many of these cases have associated laryngeal anomalies. Most infants with tracheal agenesis die within 24 hours of birth.
Death occurs because of pneumonia from retained secretions.
Associated anomalies include complex congenital heart lesions, genitourinary, gastro-intestinal, pulmonary, central nervous system and musculoskeletal anomalies. Correction of long length tracheal atresia requires some form of conduit that would be flexible with bending of the neck yet rigid enough to maintain a wide open airway. The airway must be lined by ciliated epithelium that would convey mucoid secretions to the level of the larynx or a tracheostomy. Respiratory problems related to the airway and lungs. A case report and review of the literature.