Multidisciplinary Management of Tracheoesophageal Fistula: Case-based Insights into Acute Care and Lifelong Sequelae

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM PT

Location: Concourse Hall 150 – 151

Moderator(s)

Meredith Merz Lind, MD

Professor/ Pediatric Otolaryngologist
Nationwide Children's Hospital/ Ohio State University
Columbus, OH, United States

Panelist(s)

Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM

Professor of Otolaryngology and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
RS

Raul Sanchez, MD

Physician
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio, United States
PW

Paul Waltz, MD

Assistant Professor of Surgery
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, United States

Disclosure(s):

Meredith Merz Lind, MD:

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

Jeffrey P. Simons, MD, MMM:

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

Attendees can expect an engaging, case-based panel including two aerodigestive-focused pediatric otolaryngologists, as well as an aerodigestive-focused pediatric gastroenterologist, and a pediatric surgeon with expertise in TEF/EA management. Real clinical vignettes will demonstrate multidisciplinary approaches to congenital tracheoesophageal fistula, covering neonatal diagnosis and repair, perioperative challenges, and long-term management of dysphagia, esophageal motility issues, tracheomalacia, and respiratory complications. Practical strategies, endoscopic techniques, and collaborative care models will be shared, with audience interaction encouraged.

Learning Objectives:

Analyze the complex clinical manifestations and long-term complications of tracheoesophageal fistula, including dysphagia, esophageal dysmotility, tracheomalacia, and recurrent respiratory issues, to evaluate their impact on patients' quality of life beyond initial neonatal repair.
Synthesize multidisciplinary care strategies involving the entire care team to formulate integrated management plans that address acute interventions and lifelong sequelae in tracheoesophageal fistula patients.
Evaluate the potential for persistent or emerging symptoms in adulthood following tracheoesophageal fistula repair and justify the need for ongoing surveillance and tailored treatments to optimize long-term outcomes and quality of life.