Mysterious late presentation of congenital H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in teenage – Teamwork and operative planning

Abstract

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a result of the failed fusion of tracheoesophageal ridges during the 3rd week of gestation. Commonly, TEF is associated with esophageal atresia, which is detected and treated in newborns. Isolated TEF is rare with an overall incidence of 1 in 80,000 live births. Very rarely, they can present in adulthood. This report is adding one such patient at the age of 17 years who presented with the first episode of aspiration pneumonia and a history of retrosternal discomfort and regurgitation since childhood to the limited world experience.

Keywords

• adult tracheoesophageal fistula
• h-type tracheoesophageal fistula
• tracheoesophageal fistula diagnosis