Survival in esophageal atresia diagnosed on 19th day of life: Lessons learned

Delayed diagnosis of esophageal atresia (EA) is associated with bad prognosis. Only five cases of survival with delayed presentation in the 3rd week of life have been previously reported. We present a rare case of survival in a neonate, who presented on the 19th day of life with regurgitation of feed and respiratory distress. After preoperative optimization, primary repair was performed the next day. The use of number 10 sterile, blunt-tipped, soft-red rubber catheter to rule out EA shortly after the birth in the delivery (resuscitation) room by attending doctor or trained paramedical personnel is recommended.