Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Also known as: TE fistula, TEF, TOF.

What is tracheoesophageal fistula?

The trachea (windpipe) to the lungs and the esophagus to the stomach are tubes that are normally close to one another but not connected. When tracheoesophageal fistula is present, the two tubes are connected in one or more places, and openings between them can cause problems.

What causes tracheoesophageal fistula?

Tracheoesophageal fistula is a birth defect that occurs while the fetus is still growing in the womb. It usually occurs in babies with other birth defects.

What are the symptoms of tracheoesophageal fistula?

Tracheoesophageal fistula can cause coughing or choking while feeding, vomiting, trouble breathing, a round abdomen, frothy bubble in the mouth or blue skin color.

What are tracheoesophageal fistula care options?

Tracheoesophageal fistula is almost always repaired surgically.


Reviewed by: Brian Ho, MD

This page was last updated on: October 03, 2019 04:18 PM