Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Marmoset Research - Scope and Challenges
Published on: June 9, 2023
Kluth Type IIIb6 Esophageal Atresia: Diagnostic Dilemma and Pitfalls of Using Infant Feeding Tube
Rahul Gupta1, Pramila Sharma2, Ram Babu Goyal2
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Kota Medical College, Kota, India.
Insights
A blunt-tipped catheter is crucial for diagnosing esophageal atresia (EA) in neonates. Using a red rubber catheter, not an infant feeding tube, helps accurately identify EA with long upper pouches.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital anomaly requiring prompt diagnosis and management.
- Accurate localization of the esophageal pouch is critical for surgical planning in EA cases.
- Infant feeding tubes (IFTs) may provide misleading depth measurements in EA with long upper pouches.
Abstract:
We describe three male neonates where infant feeding tube (IFT) passed 18-20 cm in the upper esophageal pouch. A blunt-tipped red rubber catheter confirmed esophageal atresia (EA) with long upper pouch in all three cases. Definitive management revealed EA with tracheoesophageal fistula and long overlapping upper esophageal pouch consistent with Kluth Type IIIb6 variant in two patients. Importance of using red rubber catheter at the pediatric practice instead of IFT is stressed.
Related Concept Videos
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
Ethical Dilemmas II
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
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...
Uterine Tubes

