Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between the trachea (airway) and the oesophagus (food pipe) that forms during foetal development and almost always occurs alongside oesophageal atresia, where the oesophagus is interrupted and does not connect to the stomach.
A newborn with TEF is unable to feed and typically has frothy secretions in the mouth from birth. Diagnosis is confirmed when a feeding tube cannot be passed more than a few centimetres into the oesophagus. Surgical correction involves closing the fistula and joining the two ends of the oesophagus, usually within 24 to 48 hours of birth. This is one of the most time-sensitive neonatal surgical conditions, and outcomes are best when the baby is born at or transferred to a centre with neonatal surgical capability. At Vatsalya Children Hospital, Varanasi, I perform TEF repair as part of my neonatal surgery practice.
Written by Dr Greeshma Suresh, MBBS (NEIGRIHMS), MS General Surgery (Silchar Medical College), MCh Pediatric Surgery (Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi), Paediatric Surgeon, Vatsalya Children Hospital, Mahavir Road, Orderly Bazar, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002
