ICD-11

Any congenital defect of oesophagus that results from interference with the normal growth and differentiation of the fetus. Such defects can arise at any stage of embryonic development, vary greatly in type and severity, and are caused by a wide variety of determining factors, including genetic mutations, chromosomal aberrations, teratogenic agents, and environmental factors. Most developmental defects are apparent at birth, especially any structural malformation, but some become evident later.

Oesophageal atresia encompasses a group of congenital anomalies with an interruption in the continuity of the oesophagus, with or without persistent communication with the trachea. In 86% of cases there is a distal tracheoesophageal fistula, in 7% of cases there is no fistulous connection, while in 4% of cases there is a tracheoesophageal fistula without atresia. The remaining cases are made up of patients with OA with proximal, or both proximal and distal, tracheoesophageal fistula.