What is esophageal atresia (EA)?

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect.

What is long-gap esophagus?

Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the esophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect. In some children, so much of the esophagus is missing that the ends can’t be easily connected with surgery. This is known as long-gap EA.

How is esophageal atresia treated in babies?

Esophageal atresia can be life-threatening, so the baby has to be treated quickly. Doctors perform surgery to connect the esophagus to the stomach in babies with this condition. Babies who are otherwise healthy have surgery just a few days after they are born.

What are the most common esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageals fistula symptoms?

The most common esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula symptoms include: Babies with a TE fistula — but not EA — may take several weeks to diagnose because TE fistula symptoms generally only appear as mild coughing or respiratory problems.

What happens after esophageal atresia surgery for a baby?

Your baby will likely be in the hospital for a few weeks. Until surgery, the baby will receive nutrition and fluids through an intravenous catheter. During esophageal atresia surgery, the surgeon will pass a tube from the mouth to the stomach, going through the newly sewn-together esophagus.

What is esophageal fistula (EA/TEF)?

EA frequently occurs along with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and as many as half of all babies with EA/TEF have another birth defect, as well. Without a working esophagus, it’s impossible to receive enough nutrition by mouth.