Embryology

Question 1

Describe what oesophageal atresia is

Answer 1

It is a rare birth defect where the upper part of the oesophagus doesn’t connect with the lower oesophagus and stomach. It usually ends in a pouch, which means food can’t reach the stomach.

Question 2

What does oesophageal atresia often occur alongside ?

Answer 2

Another birth defect called a tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF)

Question 3

Describe what a TOF is

Answer 3

A rare birth defect where there is a connection between the lower part of the oesophagus and the windpipe (trachea).

Question 4

What is the most common ways in which OA and TOF occurs ?

Answer 4

• 86% of occurences are OA + a distal TOF
• Isolated OA accounts for 7% of cases
• TOF without OA accounts for 4% of cases

Question 5

What is OA & TOF associated with prenatally ?

Answer 5

Polyhydramnios

Question 6

What are the signs of OA + TOF ?

Answer 6

• Cough
• Airway obstruction/ chocking
• Cyanosis
• Aspiration
• Increased secretions
• Blowing bubbles
• Distended abdomen

Question 7

What investigation can be done to help diagnose OA ?

Answer 7

Try to pass a catheter into the stomach - X-ray then shows the catheter coiled in the oesophagus

Question 8

What treatment can be done for OA + TOF?

Answer 8

• Stop feeding & suck out oesohageal pouch
• Primary surgical repair is then needed to correct the defects