[Malformations of the esophagus: diagnosis and therapy].

Esophageal malformations are rare and can occur sporadically or as a component of various syndromes. The variations and classifications are manifold. With the available modern operation techniques most malformations can be resolved with good results. However, esophageal malformations are often combined with further malformations which limit the prognosis. The separation of the trachea and esophagus after gastrulation is not yet completely researched. The results so far indicate that the localized expression of various homeodomain transcription factors is essential for normal development of the trachea and esophagus.