Presentation
Repeated vomiting and suffocation
Patient Data
Oesophageal atresia with dilated blind-ended proximal portion. Aeration of stomach and bowel indicate fistula tract connecting the distal oesophagus with trachea or bronchus
The most common type of tracheo-oesophageal fistula (type C: oesophageal atresia with distal fistula), represents 85% of cases.
Illustration designed by Dr Ahmed Khawwam, resident doctor in our department.
Case Discussion
This pathology is due to abnormal partitioning of the laryngotracheal tube from the oesophagus by the trachea-oesophageal septum during the 4th week of gestation. This case demonstrates the most common type ( type C: oesophageal atresia with distal fistula 85%) of congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
Diagnosis can usually be proved by chest x-ray after insertion of a nasogastric tube due to tube coiling within the proximal part of oesophagus. Barium studies can be preserved for controversial cases or for confirmation.
Our case was operated on for correction and diagnosis was confirmed surgically.