Overview
Introduction
During a first feed, a newborn with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula may become flooded with frothy secretions, cough, turn dusky, and desaturate.
During a first feed, a newborn with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula may become flooded with frothy secretions, cough, turn dusky, and desaturate. This is not simply immature suck–swallow coordination: the esophagus does not provide a safe route to the stomach, and an abnormal airway connection can move air into the stomach or gastric contents toward the lungs. Stop oral exposure and protect the airway while diagnostic assessment and pediatric-surgical stabilization proceed.