Effect of the Clinical Pathway Application on Neonates having Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) is an congenital anomalies of gastro intestinal tract (GA) in which there communication between the trachea and esophagus. When associated with esophageal atresia, the fistula most commonly occur between the distal esophageal segment and trachea, the incidence is 1per 3000 to 4000 live births (Blackburn, 2016). Esophageal Atresia EA alone or with TEF occurs in approximately one in 4, 000 live births. EA and TEF are gastrointestinal anomalies in which the esophagus and trachea don't separate normally during embryonic development. EA refers to a congenitally interrupted esophagus where proximal and distal ends don't communicate; the upper esophagus segment ends avertible distance above diaphragm (Blackburn, 2016). It birth defects, the causes is unknown. The neonate born with EA/TEF may initially appear to swallow normally. However, the first signs of EA/TEF may be the presence of tiny, white, frothy bubbles of mucus in the infant’s mouth and sometimes in the nose as well. When these bubbles are suctioned away, they reappear. This symptom occurs when the blind pouch begins to fill with mucus and saliva that would normally pass through the esophagus into the stomach. Instead these secretions back up into the mouth and nasal area, causing the neonate to drool excessively (Torrey, 2016).