Surgically repaired esophagus: An anchor pad for foreign bodies

Children with congenital tracheo-esophageal fistula and esophageal atresia need surgical intervention for their survival. Apart from the several gastro-intestinal and respiratory problems that often follow surgery, there is an increased risk of impaction of foreign body above the reconstructed esophagus that becomes stenosed and/or dysmotile. Here we illustrate a case of a six-year-old boy who underwent repair of a sporadic form of congenital tracheo-esophageal fistula with esophageal atresia at the age of three months, presenting with impaction of a glass marble above the repaired esophageal segment. This report adds to the long-term care of reconstructed aerodigestive tract in children in the form of strict vigilance from the parents and care-givers so as to keep them safe from small objects that can potentially result in impacted foreign bodies.