Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Formerly considered a mere curiosity in pathological annals, esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula have recently assumed a new importance to all physicians who deal with the care of the newborn infant. The disease itself has been known for many years, and Durston described the condition accurately in 1670. 1 The first attempt at surgical treatment, a gastrostomy, was made in 1888; however, it was in 1913 that Richter suggested the operation that is followed today, i. e., closure of the fistula and reestablishment of the continuity of the esophagus. 2 To Haight (1941) goes the credit for the first successful one stage operative repair. 3 A consideration of the normal embryologic development of the trachea and esophagus is of interest, since it will explain the occurrence of the anomaly. The trachea and esophagus originate as a common portion of the foregut. Early in the second month of intrauterine life two