[Respiratory disturbances caused by vascular tracheal compression after repair of oesophageal atresia (author's transl)].

Interference with respiration, caused by stenosis of the trachea after an operation for oesophageal atresia, is described. The narrowing of the tracheal lumen through blood vessels is particularly mentioned. Tracheal stenoses through the truncus brachiocephalicus, which cause serious symptoms following operation on oesophageal atresia, have a particular part to play. The causes of this are discussed, the clinical picture and steps in diagnosis are laid out. One case of atypical oesophageal atresia with an extremely hypoplastic left lung showed, after union of the oesophagus segments, the classic picture of serious tracheal compression through the truncus brachiocephalicus. This was caused by displacement of the mediastinum, pushing the heart backwards and to the left. It was cured by fixing the aortic arch to the sternum at the level of origin of the truncus. More than 1 1/2 years after the operation, the child is still symptom-free.