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by MedExpert on November 6th, 2007

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What are the treatments for tracheoesophageal fistula?

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  • by MedExpert on November 6th, 2007

    MedExpert

    Babies with all but H type fistulas are unlikely to survive without surgical separation and repair of the trachea and the esophagus. Surgery cannot always be performed immediately because of prematurity, the presence of other birth defects, or complications from aspiration pneumonia. It is usually done at a hospital that has special facilities for treating seriously ill newborns.

    While awaiting surgery, the infant's condition is stabilized. Preoperative care concentrates on avoiding aspiration pneumonia and includes:

    • elevating the head to avoid reflux and aspiration of the stomach contents
    • using a suction catheter to continuously removed mucus and saliva that could be inhaled
    • when necessary, placement of a gastrostomy tube
    • withholding feeding by mouth

    When surgery is performed, the esophagus is reconnected to make it continuous and separate from the trachea. If the two ends of the esophagus are too far apart to be reattached, a piece of tissue from the large intestine is used to join the parts.

    Source: The Gale Group. Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed.";

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