Care Recommendations for the Respiratory Complications of Esophageal Atresia – Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Abstract

This article summarizes publications, guidelines, position statements as well as consensus recommendations from the working groups of INoEA, the European Reference Networks ERNICA and ERN-LUNG as well as the European Respiratory Society (ERS) about Esophageal atresia (EA) – tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF).

EA-TOF is frequently associated with lifelong and sometimes severe respiratory impairments. Respiratory diseases and restraints include tracheobronchomalacia, aspiration risk, recurrent pulmonary infections, bronchitis, and atelectasis, which may occur both before and after surgical repair.

The article provides a structured approach to the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of these respiratory complications. The overarching aim is to sustainably improve health outcomes and quality of life in affected individuals.

Keywords

oesophageal atresia/esophageal atresia - respiratory complications - tracheomalacia - tracheoesophageal fistula - atelectasis - structured long-term care

Publication History

Article published online:
10 October 2025

• Literatur/References

• 1 Koumbourlis AC, Belessis Y, Cataletto M. et al. Care recommendations for the respiratory complications of esophageal atresia-tracheoesophageal fistula. Pediatr Pulmonol 2020; 55: 2713-2729
• 2 Chang AB, Fortescue R, Grimwood K. et al. European Respiratory Society guidelines for the management of children and adolescents with bronchiectasis. Eur Respir J 2021; 58: 2002990
• 3 Herrero-Cortina B, Lee AL, Oliveira A. et al. European Respiratory Society statement on airway clearance techniques in adults with bronchiectasis. Eur Respir J 2023; 62: 2202053