Oesophageal atresia

Oesophageal atresia is a congenital malformation that affects approximately 1 in 4000 newborn infants. It is most commonly associated with a distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula. It can also be associated with vertebral anomalies, anorectal malformation, cardiac defects, renal and limb anomalies. It requires surgery, usually within the first day of life to correct the anomaly and establish continuity of the gastrointestinal tract.