Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula in children.

The effect of associated congenital abnormalities, particularly cardiac malformations, on the survival rate of infants with esophageal atresia is emphasized in a number of publications. In infants with non-duct-dependent cardiac anomalies, repair of the esophagus takes precedence whereas in duct-dependent lesions, temporary control can usually be achieved with prostaglandin E. In rare instances, a palliative shunt may have to be constructed prior to the esophageal surgery. The role of gastroesophageal reflux and tracheomalacia in the long-term follow-up is also stressed. Controversy regarding the choice of the ideal method of esophageal replacement continues: one publication compares the outcome of colonic interposition with gastric tube esophagoplasty, whereas the results and short-term follow-up of gastric transposition are detailed in another.