Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
Published on: March 15, 2024
[Isolated congenital tracheoesophageal fistula]
1Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, hôpital Fattouma Bourguiba, 5000 Monastir, Tunisie. lassaad.sahnoun@rns.tn
Introduction:
Isolated tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia is a rare congenital malformation. Its etiology is obscure. Diagnosis is difficult but must be made early.
Purpose:
To study the clinical, radiological, and evolutionary sights of this malformation.
Patients And Methods:
We report 4 cases of tracheoesophageal fistula, collected in the department of pediatric surgery of Monastir Hospital and in the neonatology unit of Sousse Hospital during the period between January 2001 and December 2010.
Results:
The clinical picture consisted in a coughing bout and cyanosis after each feeding. Thoracic and abdominal imaging showed aspiration pneumonia, atelectasis, and gas within the colon. Gastrointestinal opacification demonstrated the fistula in 2 cases. Tracheoscopy visualized the tracheoesophageal fistula in the other 2 cases. Treatment was surgical and consisted in the section-ligation of the tracheoesophageal fistula with pleural interposition in all cases. The course was simple in two cases with a 3-year and 3.5-year follow up, respectively, but the infants died in the other 2 cases.
Conclusion:
Although a rare malformation, tracheoesophageal fistula should be suggested as a diagnosis when respiratory symptoms occur during feeding starting during the neonatal period.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...

