The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach.

Esophageal atresia is a congenital defect in which the esophagus is not properly connected. There is a separation between the upper part, which is connected to the trachea, and the lower part, which is connected to the stomach. In this condition, the child cannot swallow even saliva, which can enter the trachea and cause severe lung infections, hindering breathing.

The exact primary cause of esophageal atresia is unknown, but it is considered a congenital abnormality that may be accompanied by other defects such as heart or spinal abnormalities.

• Coughing or choking when swallowing food.

• Bluish skin color in the child.

• Specific sounds during swallowing.

• Drooling.

During pregnancy, the mother undergoes an ultrasound examination to observe the fluid surrounding the fetus. An increase in this fluid may indicate esophageal atresia or other obstructions in the digestive system. After birth, the doctor inserts a tube through the mouth into the stomach to determine if there is an obstruction in the esophagus. If it is present, the doctor may request X-rays to further evaluation.

The treatment of esophageal atresia depends on the specific case. If the esophagus is connected to the trachea, immediate separation is performed. Then if the distance between the upper and lower parts of the esophagus is short, the doctor reconnects them. 

If the distance is long, the trachea is separated, and different methods can be applied, such as lifting the stomach and connecting it to the esophageal upper part, or sometimes replacing the entire esophagus. However, in most cases, the distance between the esophageal parts is short, and Dr. Wael Ghanem makes a partial connection through a simple and successful procedure.