The Surgical Management of Tracheoesophageal Fistulas and Clefts

Monday, October 19, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Location: 408B

Lead Presenter(s)

DV

Douglas C. Von Allmen, MD

Assistant Professor
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Otolaryngology Department
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
DV

Douglas C. Von Allmen, MD

Assistant Professor
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Otolaryngology Department
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Co-Presenter(s)

Michael J. Rutter, Other

Professor
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, OH, United States
Michael J. Rutter, Other

Professor
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, OH, United States

Disclosure(s):

Michael J. Rutter, Other:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Children with tracheoesophageal fistulas and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts are beneficiaries of interdisciplinary care, and the role of the otolaryngologist in that care has expanded.
This course will discuss the endoscopic and open surgical management of tracheoesophageal fistulas and clefts including severe (type 3 and 4) laryngotracheoesophageal clefts, tracheoesophageal fistulae with or without esophageal atresia, and button battery injuries. We will also discuss the role of otolaryngology in working with pediatric surgery to provide optimized care for the TEF/EA population, including management of common comorbidities such as tracheomalacia and vascular compression and planning long-term follow up for patients.

Learning Objectives:

To familiarize attendees with the interdisciplinary and complimentary methods of evaluating children with esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistulae, and laryngotracheoesophageal clefts.
To discuss both the endoscopic and open approaches to repairing severe laryngeal clefts and tracheoesophageal fistulae. This will include gaining familiarity with specific techniques for repair, including endoscopic type 3 cleft repair, and slide tracheoplasty for challenging TEFs.
To discuss the role of otolaryngology in the interdisciplinary care of children with TEFs and clefts and their ongoing care needs and follow up, especially those with esophageal atresia.