Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Tracheoesophageal fistula is abnormal communication between trachea and esophagus, either congenital (with esophageal atresia in neonates) or acquired (malignancy/intubation/trauma), presenting with coughing with feeding, aspiration pneumonia, dysphagia, and recurrent infections. Treatment: surgical repair (congenital); endoscopic stent/clipping in malignant/acquired; NPO/feeding tube/G-tube; treat aspiration pneumonia; airway protection; nutrition; oncology if malignant; ENT/Thoracic/Pediatric surgery.

Common Symptoms

Coughing with feeding; aspiration pneumonia; dysphagia; by congenital/acquired/malignant

Causes and Pathogenesis

Congenital developmental defect or acquired malignancy/intubation/trauma causes tracheoesophageal communication.

Treatment

Surgical repair (congenital); stent/clipping (malignant/acquired); feeding/airway; treat aspiration

Preventive Measures

Careful intubation; treat esophageal malignancy early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pediatric/Thoracic/ENT/GI surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.