Delayed diagnosis of high proximal tracheoesophageal fistula in esophageal atresia and a novel approach to the treatment of tracheomalacia by submanubrial tracheopexy

An infant with esophageal atresia (EA) had delayed diagnosis of proximal tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and severe tracheomalacia. We recommend bronchoscopy via laryngeal mask or rigid bronchoscopy to rule out associated TEF in infants diagnosed with esophageal atresia, as flexible bronchoscopy via endotracheal tube may not provide complete visualization of the trachea. We also describe a novel cervical approach to tracheopexy via neck incision for treatment of associated severe tracheomalacia in this infant.