Neurodevelopmental outcomes and long-term quality of life in esophageal atresia: A narrative review.

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by esophageal discontinuity, frequently associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and other congenital malformations. Advances in neonatal surgery, perioperative care, and critical care have substantially improved survival, shifting the focus to neurodevelopmental outcomes, long-term health, and quality of life-topics explored in this review. We summarize findings from original prospective and retrospective studies examining developmental trajectories, psychosocial outcomes, and quality of life. This review aims to (1) support informed clinical counseling and physician-family communication, (2) guide multidisciplinary and lifelong follow-up, and (3) identify knowledge gaps that warrant more systematic, longitudinal, and multicenter investigation to optimize outcomes for children born with EA.