What are the types of esophageal atresia?

What are the types of esophageal atresia?

There are four types of esophageal atresia: Type A, Type B, Type C and Type D.

• Type A is when the upper and lower parts of the esophagus do not connect and have closed ends.
• Type B is very rare.
• Type C is the most common type.
• Type D is the rarest and most severe.

What is next to the esophagus?

The esophagus runs behind the windpipe (trachea) and heart, and in front of the spine. Just before entering the stomach, the esophagus passes through the diaphragm.

How can you tell the difference between the esophagus and the trachea?

The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The trachea is the tube that connects the throat to the windpipe and lungs.

Is TEF curable?

For TEF, the primary goal of therapy is closure of fistula between digestive and respiratory fistulas. Most of the fistula cannot be approached surgically. Moreover, medication treatment is unable to cure the disease. The therapy of TEF is always a challenge in medicine.

Can TEF be diagnosed in utero?

Prenatal Diagnosis of TEF/EA: Sometimes a TEF/EA will be diagnosed or strongly suspected before birth through routine ultrasound. The inability to see a stomach and maternal polyhydramnios during an ultrasound are suspicious findings that may indicate TEF/EA.

What is the difference between stenosis and atresia?

Atresia and stenosis are birth defects in which the esophagus, stomach or intestines do not develop properly. The defects cause blockages in the digestive tract. An atresia leads to a complete blockage, while a stenosis causes a partial blockage.

What are the 3 phases of deglutition?

Deglutition is divided into three phases: oropharyngeal, esophageal, and gastroesophageal. The oropharyngeal phase is controlled by the trigeminal (CN V), facial (CN VII), glossopharyngeal (CN IX), vagus (CN X), and hypoglossal nerves (CN XII).

What do you need to know about esophageal atresia?

Facts about Esophageal Atresia. Language: What is Esophageal Atresia? Esophageal atresia is a birth defect in which part of a baby’s esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) does not develop properly. Esophageal atresia is a birth defect of the swallowing tube (esophagus) that connects the mouth to the stomach.

When to have surgery for esophageal atresia in babies?

Expert pediatric surgeons can repair the esophagus by removing the fistula and connecting the two ends of the esophagus. If your baby has no other serious conditions, he/she may have surgery to repair the esophagus during the first 24 to 48 hours of life.

Can a tracheoesophageal fistula affect the esophagus?

Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare conditions that develop before birth. They often occur together and affect the development of the esophagus, trachea or both.

What happens if there is a gap in the esophagus?

If the gap is very wide, an alternative method of surgical repair of esophageal atresia may be offered. This will be discussed with you by your child’s Pediatric Surgeon. Before the esophagus is repaired, saliva can accumulate in the upper pouch, and may spill into the lungs. This can lead to choking.