Surgery to Fix the Esophagus (Esophageal Atresia Repair) in Infants: What to Know After

A health care provider talking to a person holding a baby.

After surgery to fix the esophagus, or esophageal atresia repair, your baby will be in the intensive care unit for babies or children. Below are a few things to expect after your baby's surgery. Your baby's health care provider will give you more information about your baby's care. If you have problems or questions, ask your baby's provider.

What can I expect after the surgery?

Post-surgery care for your baby

Your baby will get fluids, pain medicine, antibiotics, and nutrition through the IV.
The drain tube that goes into your baby's nose or mouth will keep the stomach empty while the connection heals.
Your baby may still need an ET tube and ventilator for a few days.
Your baby's cut from surgery will heal over time. The skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer.

Feeding

Although your baby now has a way for food to move from the mouth to the stomach, they won't be ready to feed right after surgery.

About a week after the surgery, your baby may have a test to check the healing of the esophagus.
Feeding your baby can also depend on how much fluid is coming from the drain tube and how the digestive tract is working.

Your baby's provider will know when it's safe to try feeding your baby milk or formula.

When your baby starts feeding, it's common to see:

Frequent spitting up.
Coughing.
Trouble swallowing while feeding.

Follow these instructions at home:

Feed your baby as told by your baby's health care provider.
Give your baby medicines only as told.
Keep all follow-up visits. Your baby will need to have checkups on a regular basis. If your baby continues to have trouble eating, you may be referred to a support group or feeding program for help.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.