INTRODUCTION
SURGICAL correction of tracheoesophageal fistula without atresia of the esophagus has been reported 15 times in the American medical literature.* This additional case is being reported to review symptoms of the lesion and to clarify methods for confirming the diagnosis. Tracheoesophageal fistula was diagnosed at age 3 months by a modification of the radiological technique described by Cardullo and Berens.3 The fistula was closed at thoracotomy, but the patient died on the second postoperative day from malnutrition and bronchopneumonia.
REPORT OF CASE
This 2-day-old white boy was the product of an uncomplicated delivery, weighing 5 lb. 8 oz. Physical examination revealed a hypoplastic right thumb and excessive pharyngeal mucus. The baby choked, regurgitated, and became cyanotic with feedings, and was referred to Childrens Hospital with a diagnosis of tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia. On arrival, a gastric tube was easily inserted into the stomch and gastric juice withdrawn;