Congenital anomalies of the esophagus.

Congenital malformations of the esophagus are frequently encountered by pediatric surgeons, especially esophageal atresia with or without tracheo-esophageal fistula. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these various anomalies are not clear. Here we present a brief overview of the embryologic development of the tracheoesophageal tube, along with some of the genetic controls which, when defective can lead to abnormal separation of this tube. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.