Esophageal disease in the pediatric age group.

This article reviews the congenital disorder, esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and the acquired problem of gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Each can cause significant morbidity, but if treated appropriately can have gratifying results. EA and TEF anomalies exemplify a congenital disorder which is life threatening, but have been treated with improved success over the past three decades and continue to challenge pediatric surgeons. GER is an abnormal physiologic event which with overt emesis can present pulmonary problems or pathologies involving the esophagus alone. Recognition of GER as part of a foregut motility disorder enhances our understanding of the problem and its treatment.