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Medical Definition of Oesophageal atresia
1. A congenital anomaly where the upper oesophagus ends (atresia) and does not connect with the stomach and the lower oesophagus connects to the trachea (tracheoesophageal fistula). A common complication seen shortly after birth is an aspiration pneumonia. Infants will demonstrate excessive salivation, gagging and coughing with feeding, poor feeding and a bluish discolouration to the skin (cyanosis). Treatment involves the surgical repair of the oesophagus before the child can take anything by mouth. (27 Sep 1997)