Unilateral pulmonary agenesis with esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula: report of two cases.

The combined anomalies of pulmonary agenesis with esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesopahgeal fistula are an exceedingly rare and highly lethal association. The longest survivor in the literature is 10 months. We describe two neonates with this association who underwent primary repair shortly after birth and who are alive and well at 24 and 18 months. One of these neonates also demonstrated duodenal atresia. The prime goal in the management of these patients is early protection and preservation of respiratory units. This goal is best accomplished by primary repair of the tracheoesophageal lesion, when feasible, rather than by more complex procedures.