What is EA or TEF?
Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a condition resulting from abnormal development before birth of the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (the esophagus ).
How many types of TEF are there?
Classification
| Gross | Vogt | TEF? |
|---|---|---|
| – | Type 1 | No |
| Type A | Type 2 | No |
| Type B | Type 3A | Yes |
| Type C | Type 3B | Yes |
How common is EA TEF?
EA/TEF stands for esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). While EA/TEF is rare, occurring in 1 in 2,500 births, the two conditions are often present together and develop before birth.
When is EA diagnosed?
The diagnosis of EA may be suspected before birth because of the presence of a small or absent stomach bubble on a routine ultrasound examination performed after the 18th week of pregnancy. The presence on an ultrasound of excessive amounts of amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) raises further suspicion of EA.
What are the types of EA?
The upper segment of the esophagus ends in a blind pouch and the lower segment is connected to the trachea via a TEF. This is the most common type of EA/TEF occurring in approximately 85 percent of individuals. A TEF is present connecting both the upper and lower segments of the esophagus to the trachea.
Can esophageal atresia be cured?
How we care for esophageal atresia. Although EA can be life-threatening in its most severe forms and could cause long-term nutritional concerns, the majority of children fully recover if it’s detected early. The best treatment for EA is usually surgery to reconnect the two ends of the baby’s esophagus to each other.
What is TEF Type H?
H-type tracheoesophageal fistula (H-TEF) is a rare, life-threatening congenital anomaly, which accounts for 4- 5% of all esophageal atresias/ tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).
Is esophageal atresia treatable?
Without a working esophagus, it’s impossible to receive enough nutrition by mouth. Babies with EA are also more prone to infections like pneumonia and conditions such as acid reflux. Luckily, EA is usually treatable.