Unveiling tracheo-oesophageal fistula: The crucial role of imaging in the diagnosis and management

Authors

  • Poonam Sherwani Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh
  • Nivedita Sharma Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh
  • Rajat Piplani Department of Pediatric Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh
  • Ekakshi Varshney Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh
  • Sumit Kumar Department of Radiology and Imaging, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GPIMER), Delhi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v29i1.3216

Abstract

Tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) is a significant congenital anomaly characterised by an abnormal communication between the trachea and the oesophagus. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial, but long-term outcomes depend on accurate imaging and postoperative monitoring. The article discusses the embryological basis, clinical presentation and various types of TOF with their imaging techniques. Immediate and long-term postoperative complications are also discussed. Recent advances such as Ultrashort Echo Time (UTE), MRI and the Oesophageal Anastomotic Stricture Index (OASI) have expanded the capabilities of imaging in predicting surgical outcomes and guiding follow-up.
Contribution: This review highlights the pivotal role of imaging in the diagnosis, classification, surgical planning and follow-up of TOF, focusing on current and emerging modalities.

Author Biography

Poonam Sherwani, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh

MBBS, DNB (radiodiagnosis), Fellowship (diagnositic and interventional Pediatric radiology), EDIR, DICR

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Published

2025-09-23

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Review Article