Adults who survived repair of congenital oesophageal atresia and tracheo-oesophageal fistula.

One hundred and twenty five adults who were born before 1969 with oesophageal atresia or tracheo-oesophageal fistula or both and were managed at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, were reviewed. Most enjoyed a normal life. Though over half had difficulties in swallowing and symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux, the symptoms occurred only occasionally and were regarded as inconsequential by most. One third of the patients had wheeze and a quarter had at least one episode of bronchitis a year, but these interfered little with daily activities. Overall, these results are encouraging for young patients with oesophageal atresia and their families.