Answer: <p><strong>Esophageal atresia</strong>(or<strong>Oesophageal atresia</strong>) is a congenital medical condition (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birth_defect">birth defect</a>) which affects the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alimentary_tract">alimentary tract</a>. It causes the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagus">esophagus </a>to end in a blind-ended pouch rather than connecting normally to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomach">stomach</a>. It comprises a variety of congenital anatomic defects that are caused by an abnormal embryological development of the esophagus. It is characterized anatomically by a congenital obstruction of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophagus">esophagus </a>with interruption of the continuity of the esophageal wall.</p>

Answer: <p>Treatments for the condition vary depending on its severity. The most immediate and effective treatment in the majority of cases is a surgical repair to close the fistula/s and reconnect the two ends of the esophagus to each other. Although this is usually done through an incision between the ribs on right side of the baby, a technique using three small incisions (thoracoscopy) is being used at some centers. In a minority of cases, the gap between upper and lower esophageal segments may be too long to bridge. In some of these so-called long gap cases, though, an advanced surgical treatment developed by John Foker, MD,may be utilized to elongate and then join together the short esophageal segments. Using the Foker technique, surgeons place traction sutures in the tiny esophageal ends and increase the tension on these sutures daily until the ends are close enough to be sewn together. The result is a normally functioning esophagus, virtually indistinguishable from one congenitally well formed. Unfortunately, the results have been somewhat difficult to replicate by other surgeons and the need for multiple operations has tempered enthusiasm for this approach. The optimal treatment in cases of long gap esophageal atresia remains controversial.Traditional surgical approaches include gastrostomy followed by gastric pull-up, colonic transposition and jejunum, transposition.Gastric pull-up has been the preferred approach at many specialized centers, including Great Ormond Street (London) and Mott Children's Hospital (Ann Arbor).Gastrostomy, or G-tube, allows for tube feedings into the stomach through the abdominal wall. Often a cervical esophagostomy will also be done, to allow the saliva which is swallowed to drain out a hole in the neck. Months or years later, the esophagus may be repaired, sometimes by using a segment of bowel brought up into the chest, interposing between the upper and lower segments of esophagus. Post operative complications sometimes arise, including a leak at the site of closure of the esophagus. Sometimes a stricture, or tight spot, will develop in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. This can usually be dilated using medical instruments. In later life, most children with this disorder will have some trouble with either swallowing or heartburn or both. Esophageal dismotility occurs in 75-100% of patients.</p>