Not all neonates with oesophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are a surgical emergency

Retrospective review of 62 neonates with OA-TOF challenges the traditional view that preoperative intubation mandates emergency surgery. Despite 17 cases requiring mechanical ventilation (up to 48 hours), no gastric perforations occurred, suggesting emergency surgery is only indicated when gastric distention or instability develops.