Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia. A 22 year experience.

Experience in managing the patients with congenital tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia led to the following conclusions: (1) The pulmonary and gastrointestinal manifestations of this lesion may be subtle and similar to those of other disorders. A high index of suspicion is required to recognize the fistula. (2) Skillful and persistent efforts should be made to establish the diagnosis and localize the fistula before any surgical attempt at correction. (3) Adequate preoperative preparation, cannulation of the fistula and careful surgical dissection will minimize surgical complications.