Esophageal atresia with double tracheoesophageal fistula.

Ninety cases of esophageal atresia (EA) with double tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) from the literature and 4 new cases are examined. The incidence may be more common than is generally recognized with incidences up to 5.3% reported. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative diagnosis may be difficult, and half have been missed initially with almost half of these being first recognized at autopsy. During repair of EA and TEF the proximal esophagus should be mobilized looking for a proximal fistula. Many proximal TEF are missed at the initial operation and discovered in the postoperative period. The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the unrecognized proximal TEF are similar to that for isolated TEF. Results should be good since this problem occurs in large babies with fewer and less complex associated conditions.