Esophageal atresia/Tracheoesophageal fistula
What is it?
Esophagus terminates before reaching the stomach. There is blind pouch. Oral feedings may enter the lungs if fistula present or remain in a blind pouch if only atresia present. Risk for aspiration pneumonia and respiratory distress.
Symptoms
- NPO to prevent aspiration
- IV fluids as prescribed
- Monitor respiratory status
- Suction mouth and pharynx
- At 30 degrees upright
- Keep pouch empty of secretions
- Gastrostomy tube
- Antibiotics as prescribed for pneumonia
Post Surgical Correction Care
- Monitor respiratory status
- May have a chest tube
- Check for anastomosis leak (purulent chest tube output, ↑ WBC, fever)
- If G tube placed, feed after 5 to 7 days when incisison healed. This baby will be on TPN while NPO.
- Esophagram to check esophageal anastomosis before feeding
- Start feeds with sterile water
