TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA

Course overview

TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULAS (TEFS) REPRESENT ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CONGENITAL ANOMALIES SEEN IN MAJOR PEDIATRIC SURGICAL CENTERS. INFANTS WITH TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULAS CLASSICALLY PRESENT WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS, FEEDING DIFFICULTIES, CHOKING, AND RISK OF ASPIRATION. TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULAS MOST COMMONLY OCCUR ALONGSIDE OTHER CONGENITAL ANOMALIES, PARTICULARLY CARDIAC DEFECTS. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULAS AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM MEMBERS IN COLLABORATING TO PROVIDE WELL-COORDINATED CARE AND ENHANCE OUTCOMES FOR AFFECTED PATIENTS.