children s health issues
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Diagnosis
Before birth, prenatal ultrasonography After birth, passage of a tube down the esophagus and x-rays Doctors may suspect esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula before birth based on results of Ultrasonography or after birth based on symptoms. If doctors suspect these defects after birth, they try to pass a tube down the infant's esophagus. If passage of the tube is blocked, they take x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and to locate the problem. 