Explanation
•Emergency surgery for the infant with a tracheoesophageal fistula is essential to prevent the development of pneumonia from leakage of stomach secretions into the lungs or an electrolyte imbalance from lack of oral intake.
•Tracheoesophageal fistula is a serious disorder because during feeding, milk can fill the blind esophagus and overflow into the trachea, resulting in aspiration.