Tracheo-oesophageal fistula

As the name suggests, the tracheoesophageal fistula is a connection between the esophagus and the esophagus. Tracheo-oesophageal fistulas can arise secondary to malignant tumor surgery, primarily due to malformations already at birth, or in syndromes such as the Feingold syndrome.

The fistula causes coughing fits and food aspiration. Therapeutically, the fistula must be surgically prevented.