Outcomes of oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula repair

Oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula are congenital anomalies of the oesophagus requiring surgical repair in infancy, either by open or thoracoscopic approach. Although mortality rates associated with this procedure are low, children may go on to have complications throughout childhood and into adulthood, most commonly related to ongoing gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms. This review outlines the early, mid and long-term outcomes for these children in terms of quality of life and incidence of symptoms.