Congenital and acquired tracheoesophageal fistulas in children

Tracheoesophageal fistulas represent abnormal connections between the airway and esophagus in children, occurring as congenital defects often associated with esophageal atresia or as acquired complications. The most common congenital variant is type III (type C), characterized by a blind-ending upper esophageal pouch with a distal fistula to the trachea.