Atresia de esófago - Dra. Brenda Hutton

Esophageal atresia is a rare congenital malformation in which the newborn's esophagus is divided into two non-communicating segments, sometimes accompanied by a tracheoesophageal fistula. The incidence of this condition is 1 in 2,500 to 4,500 live births and is often associated with additional anomalies, including vertebral, anorectal, cardiac, renal, and limb abnormalities. The diagnosis of esophageal atresia is based on symptoms such as excessive salivation and respiratory distress, confirmed by chest and abdominal X-rays and complementary studies. The ideal treatment is surgery within the first 24 hours of life, preferably by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy, to preserve the native esophagus. Postoperative complications include anastomotic leaks and strictures, gastroesophageal reflux, among others, which may require medical management or additional surgery. Treatment success depends on a multidisciplinary team, well-equipped neonatal units, and advanced technology. It is recommended that these cases be centralized in specialized hospitals to optimize outcomes. In this lecture, pediatric surgeon Dr. Brenda Hutton discusses esophageal atresia, explaining its various classifications, clinical manifestations, preoperative management, diagnosis, surgical intervention, and potential postoperative complications.