Esophageal Atresia

Esophageal atresia is a condition in which the esophagus is not fully developed. It is a congenital condition, which means that it is present at birth.

What is going on in the body?

Esophageal atresia is a condition in which the upper esophagus is closed off, forming a pouch at the end of it. This prevents fluid from entering into the stomach. The fluid builds up in the pouch and backs up into the mouth.

This condition is often associated with a tracheoesophageal fistula, an abnormality in which the lower esophagus connects to the trachea. The trachea is the tube that allows air to flow between the lungs and mouth.

A baby with esophageal atresia often has other medical problems, such as heart, kidney, or gastrointestinal conditions.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Esophageal atresia occurs when the esophagus and trachea fail to separate normally while the embryo is in the uterus. The actual cause of this condition is not known. It is more common in babies with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Esophageal atresia may be apparent soon after a baby is born. Signs and symptoms may include:

How is the disease diagnosed?

To diagnose esophageal atresia, a healthcare provider will start with a complete medical history and physical exam. The provider may then order tests, such as:

What can be done to prevent the disease?

At this time there is no way to prevent esophageal atresia.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

If diagnosed and treated early, esophageal may cause few long-term effects. These may include pneumonia from aspirating and choking on stomach secretions. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which food goes up the esophagus from the stomach, can also occur.

What are the risks to others?

Esophageal atresia poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the disease?

A baby born with esophageal atresia needs surgery right away. The type and extent of surgery will depend on what type of esophageal atresia is present and what other congenital defects may exist. Surgery focuses on attaching the two ends of the esophagus together and repairing any tracheoesophageal fistula that may be present.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. For example, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reactions to anesthesia. Surgical repair of esophageal atresia can increase the infant's risk of hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Catheters and special suction tubes will usually remain in place after surgery while the baby recovers from surgery and any secondary infection. Special x-rays or scans, such as an endoscopy, may be done to see if treatment is working. Further treatment will depend on any other conditions that exist. Encouraging bonding between parents and child is important in helping the child and family heal.

How is the disease monitored?

Monitoring of esophageal atresia will depend on the extent of symptoms and surgery done. The healthcare provider should be notified of any new or worsening symptoms.

Author:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Elizabeth, BA
Edit Date:10/03/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:07/27/01

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