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Tracheo-oesophageal fistula
- The only private hospital in the UK dedicated to treating women and children
- More than 40,000 babies, children and young people are cared for every year
- Specialist care in the only private paediatric and neonatal intensive care units
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Tracheo-oesophageal fistula at HCA UK
Why choose us?
From everyday worries to complex conditions, HCA UK is here to provide fast, expert care in our state-of-the-art facilities. Every child is unique, and our dedicated team of 300+ nursing specialists and clinical specialists ensures your child receives fully personalised care and support.
With specialist paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICU and NICU), we prioritise your child's health and wellbeing, giving you peace of mind that they are in safe hands.
With specialist paediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICU and NICU), we prioritise your child's health and wellbeing, giving you peace of mind that they are in safe hands.
Tracheo-oesophageal fistula occurs when a connection is formed in the womb between a baby's windpipe and oesophagus – the tube that connects a baby's mouth to its stomach. Tracheo-oesophageal fistula, also known as oesophageal atresia, is a rare condition, and while it may sound concerning, it can be effectively treated with surgery after birth.
While experts don't fully understand why a baby's oesophagus may develop differently in the womb, there are proven treatment options and specialist care available to help reverse the condition. In most cases, babies with tracheo-oesophageal fistula respond well to treatment and continue to grow and develop.
If your baby is diagnosed with tracheo-oesophageal fistula, surgery is typically required soon after birth under general anaesthetic. The procedure involves repairing the connection between the windpipe and oesophagus, and in some cases, a stent may be placed to support healing. Recovery time varies, but it often takes around 12 weeks.
Your baby's consultant will explain the procedure in detail and be there to answer any questions or concerns to ensure you're fully supported throughout the process.
No. 1
The only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
9
level 3 intensive care beds for the highest levels of care
40,000
babies, children and young people cared for each year
Next-day appointments
See a specialist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours.
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
On-site NICU and PICU
Providing specialised, round-the-clock care for newborns and children in a dedicated private hospital.
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Simply book a test, scan or treatment directly today.
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Tracheo-oesophageal fistula tests and scans at HCA UK
Expert diagnosis, fast results
Your consultant will closely monitor your baby's development during pregnancy, using ultrasound scans to check for any signs of tracheo-oesophageal fistulas. After birth, further tests can be carried out to confirm a diagnosis.
- Your midwife may gently pass a tube through your baby's nose to see if it reaches their stomach. If this is not possible, it may indicate they have a tracheo-oesophageal fistula.
- Your specialist may request to take an X-ray to check your baby's stomach in more detail.
Tracheo-oesophageal fistula treatments at HCA UK
If your baby is diagnosed with tracheo-oesophageal fistula, surgery is the only treatment and is typically required soon after birth under general anaesthetic. Repair is achieved by your baby's surgeon closing off the fistula and then sewing the lower and upper parts of the oesophagus.
Rest assured, your baby's consultant will discuss this procedure with you in detail beforehand, helping to put your mind at ease.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Tracheo-oesophageal fistula FAQs
One of the most common symptoms before birth is excess amniotic fluid - the fluid that surrounds your unborn baby in the womb. This may be detected at your 20-week ultrasound scan. Symptoms after your baby is born include:
- Breathing and/or swallowing problems
- Vomiting
- Coughing or choking when feeding
- Blue discolouration of the skin
- A round and full abdomen (belly)
There are five different types of tracheo-oesophageal fistula:
Type A: When a gap in your baby's oesophagus means the upper and lower portions are cut off from one another.
Type B: This rare form occurs when the upper portion of your baby's oesophagus connects to the windpipe.
Type C: When the upper part of your baby's oesophagus doesn't connect to the stomach, while the lower part forms a connection with the windpipe.
Type D: This is the rarest type in which your baby's upper and lower oesophagus connect to the windpipe.
Type E: Your baby's oesophagus connects to the stomach in the usual way, but there is also a connection made with their windpipe.
From diagnostic tests to procedures, we provide care across our London network of hospitals and specialist clinics. Children can also visit HCA Healthcare UK's paediatric centre at The Portland Hospital and the Urgent Care Centre for Children.
Of course. You're very welcome to go to the anaesthetic room, where you can stay until your child's asleep. At that point, the nurse will accompany you back to your room.
At The Portland Hospital, we have open visiting. However, we recommend that visitors leave by 10pm. If your child stays overnight, this gives both parents and child the chance to settle for the night.
Should you wish to stay overnight with your child, you can (in fact, we actively encourage this). We can provide you with a bed for one parent.
Should you wish to stay overnight with your child, you can (in fact, we actively encourage this). We can provide you with a bed for one parent.
Pick-up and drop-off options: Visitors can pick up and drop off patients at the main entrance. No parking is allowed as the driveway is for emergency vehicle access.
Local parking: There's no on-site parking, and street parking isn't permitted on a single yellow line between Monday and Saturday, from 8.30am to 6.30pm. However, national and private car parks are available nearby. Please contact the admissions team if you need help to find a local car park near to the hospital.
Disabled parking: Westminster Council operates a small number of disabled parking bays near the hospital, available to Blue Badge holders for up to four hours. The nearest one is on the corner of Bolsover Street, next to Tesco Express.
Local parking: There's no on-site parking, and street parking isn't permitted on a single yellow line between Monday and Saturday, from 8.30am to 6.30pm. However, national and private car parks are available nearby. Please contact the admissions team if you need help to find a local car park near to the hospital.
Disabled parking: Westminster Council operates a small number of disabled parking bays near the hospital, available to Blue Badge holders for up to four hours. The nearest one is on the corner of Bolsover Street, next to Tesco Express.
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.