Esophageal Atresia

For patients & families
Esophageal atresia (EA) is a birth defect where the esophagus—the tube that carries food to the stomach—doesn't form properly. Often there's also an abnormal connection (fistula) between the windpipe and esophagus. Doctors typically discover EA soon after birth when a feeding tube won't pass into the baby's stomach. The surgical team will order tests including an ultrasound of the heart to check for other birth defects and to see which side the aorta (main blood vessel) is on, which helps plan the operation. Most babies have surgery within the first few days of life to reconnect the esophagus and close any fistula. The operation is delicate—surgeons must bring the two ends of the esophagus together without too much tension, which requires careful mobilization of the tissue. After surgery, some babies develop narrowing (stricture) at the repair site, which may need gentle stretching procedures. Nearly all children with EA have some acid reflux, which doctors manage with medication and sometimes a second operation. Long-term, most children eat well, though swallowing may never be completely normal because the esophagus itself has some inherent differences in how it moves food.