Over the past 70 years or so, surgery for EA has advanced tremendously. Adult survival is now “the norm,” and it’s becoming increasingly important for adult physicians and surgeons to become familiar with EA, and its complications. Surgical techniques are continuing to improve. While complications of EA are frequent in children, they are significantly less frequent in adults, and most adults with EA can look forward to generally good health.
In this section, information is designed for people with EA and their families, and non-expert health professionals. It will tell you about the effects of EA, and the management of EA and its complications. TEF can occur in adults from cancers eroding through the wall of the trachea or esophagus, creating a connection between the two structures. This is called a Secondary TEF, and this condition will not be discussed in this web site.