Tracheoesophageal fistula

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Tracheoesophageal fistula (pronounced: tray-key-oh-eh-sof-uh-gee-ul fis-tu-la) is a medical condition that involves an abnormal connection (fistula) between the trachea and the esophagus.

Etymology

The term "tracheoesophageal fistula" is derived from the Greek words "tracheia" (windpipe), "oesophagus" (gullet), and "fistula" (pipe).

Definition

A tracheoesophageal fistula is a congenital or acquired condition where there is a communication between the trachea and esophagus. This can lead to a variety of complications, including difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), recurrent lung infections, and aspiration pneumonia.

Types

There are several types of tracheoesophageal fistulas, including:

• Type A: Also known as an H-type fistula, this is a rare form where the trachea and esophagus are connected by a small channel.
• Type B: This is a fistula with esophageal atresia, where the upper esophagus ends in a blind pouch and does not connect with the lower esophagus and stomach.
• Type C: This is the most common type, where the upper esophagus ends in a blind pouch and the lower esophagus is connected to the trachea.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a tracheoesophageal fistula is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. Other diagnostic tests may include a bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for a tracheoesophageal fistula typically involves surgery to repair the abnormal connection. This is usually performed in the neonatal period for congenital cases. Postoperative care may include respiratory support and nutritional management.

Related Terms

• Esophageal atresia
• Bronchoscopy
• Esophagoscopy
• Dysphagia
• Aspiration pneumonia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tracheoesophageal fistula
• Wikipedia's article - Tracheoesophageal fistula

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