Introduction Print Section Listen The term tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) describes a communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the airway. This defect can present at birth as a congenital anomaly or…

Introduction Print Section Listen In highly selected patient populations, flexible and rigid endoscopic (endobronchial) management offers effective treatment options for benign major airway disease (e.g., stenosis and malacia). These treatments…

Introduction Print Section Listen This chapter presents the most common congenital malformations of the esophagus that require surgical correction in infants and children. Today, most of these entities can be…

Introduction Print Section Listen Tracheobronchial injuries are rare but potentially lethal injuries associated with (1) thoracic trauma, (2) iatrogenic damage, and (3) inhalation injuries.1 Most traumatic tracheobronchial injuries are associated…

Introduction Print Section Listen The upper airways are defined as the trachea and mainstem bronchi. Functionally, the upper airways serve as conduits for ventilation. Anatomically and physiologically, however, they represent…

Introduction Print Section Listen While minimally invasive techniques have been used to alleviate esophageal symptoms, such as thoracoscopic release of vascular rings causing esophageal obstruction or laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal…

Introduction Print Section Listen Tracheostomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in surgical practice. An intervention dating back to 1500 bc,1–3 tracheostomy, until recently, was used solely to…

Introduction Print Section Listen Trauma is the leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 1 and 44. In the Western world, motor vehicle accidents account for the…

Introduction Print Section Listen Esophageal perforation is a challenging clinical condition that requires prompt diagnosis and management. Delay in identification and/or treatment results in high rates of morbidity and mortality….

Introduction Print Section Listen While accidental ingestion of caustic materials is more common in children, intentional ingestion is the leading cause of caustic esophageal injury in adults. The diagnosis should…