Anesthesia for Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Abstract

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a communication that is congenital or acquired between the trachea and esophagus. The reported incidence of TEF or esophageal atresia (EA) is roughly one to two per 5,000 live births. The first successful surgery for TEF was in 1939. Presently, owing to progress in surgical techniques, neonatal intensive care, and neonatal anesthesia, the majority of neonates with a TEF/EA who do not have severe associated congenital anomalies are expected to have satisfactory outcomes. Coexisting congenital abnormalities occur in 30 to 50% of patients with TEF/EA. Congenital anomalies are more common in patients with isolated esophageal atresia (65%) compared with isolated tracheoesophageal fistula (10%).