Learn about Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF) Repair is a critical surgical procedure performed by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon to correct an abnormal connection (fistula) between the windpipe (trachea) and the food pipe (esophagus). This condition can lead to severe complications like recurrent pneumonia, choking, and malnutrition, as food or liquids can enter the lungs. The surgery involves separating the two structures, closing the openings, and reconstructing the normal anatomy, typically through an incision in the neck or chest. It is a life-saving and definitive treatment that restores safe swallowing and breathing, preventing long-term respiratory damage and improving overall quality of life.

Key Highlights

    Definitive correction of the abnormal connection between airway and food pipe.Prevents life-threatening complications like aspiration pneumonia.Restores normal swallowing and breathing functions.Performed by specialized ENT surgeons with expertise in neck and airway anatomy.Can significantly improve long-term quality of life and nutritional status.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (often diagnosed in newborns).
  • Acquired fistula due to prolonged intubation, trauma, or infection.
  • Fistula resulting from malignancy in the neck or chest region.
  • Recurrent aspiration pneumonia or respiratory infections.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or coughing during eating/drinking.
  • Failure of conservative management for a known fistula.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic workup including imaging (barium swallow, CT scan) and endoscopy.
  • Nutritional optimization, possibly with feeding tube placement.
  • Management of any active lung infection with antibiotics.
  • Pre-operative anesthesia evaluation and clearance.
  • Discussion of surgical risks, benefits, and informed consent.
  • Fasting as instructed prior to surgery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia.
  • Recurrence of the fistula (re-fistulization).
  • Injury to nearby structures like the recurrent laryngeal nerve (causing hoarseness).
  • Stricture (narrowing) of the esophagus or trachea post-repair.
  • Leakage from the surgical suture lines.
  • Persistent swallowing difficulties or aspiration.
  • Scar formation at the incision site.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in the hospital with close monitoring of breathing and vital signs.
  • Pain management with prescribed medications.
  • Feeding may initially be through a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube until swallowing is safe.
  • A gradual transition to oral fluids and soft foods under guidance.
  • Follow-up endoscopies or imaging to ensure proper healing.
  • Avoidance of strenuous activity and heavy lifting for the recommended period.
  • Speech or swallowing therapy may be recommended if needed.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-14 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering tracheoesophageal fistula repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tracheoesophageal fistula repair compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 1,632 – USD 5,438 5-14 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months Know More
Turkey USD 12,079 – USD 40,263 5-14 days ~ 3-6 weeks for initial recovery; full healing may take several months Know More

Top hospitals for Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing tracheoesophageal fistula repair.

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I was a total wreck before...

I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Muthusamy just had this calm way about him. He listened to all my jumbled-up worries, did a quick check, and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. Walked out feeling silly for being so nervous, but mostly just relieved.

ENT Specialists for Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair

Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform tracheoesophageal fistula repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Mehrin Shamim
  • 12 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sharma
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Reita Prakash
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srijoy Gupta
  • 12 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pk Purushothaman
  • 28 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gunjan Sachdev
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Srinivas K
  • 31 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashish Vashishth Bhushan
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Arunava Ghosh
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Debayan Tarafdar
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanthi Tv
  • 27 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Avik Kumar Jana Kumar
  • 11 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Santosh Shivawswamy
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kp Ashwathy
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ria Emmanuel
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Sharma
  • 30 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Paulastya Ghosh
  • 8 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shruthi
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ruchi Verma
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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