Esophageal motor dysfunction in an adult with a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula

S. R. Gundry and M. B. Orringer

A preoperative barium esophagogram and esophageal manometry in an adult patient with an H-type congenital tracheoesophageal fistula revealed the typical esophageal motor abnormalities previously described following operative repair of esophageal atresia in infants. The upper esophageal sphincter contracted normally, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxation was weak and incomplete, and there was no active peristaltic wave within the esophagus. These findings support the theory that the abnormal esophageal motor function reported after repair of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia is on a congenital basis and is not directly attributable to operative trauma or denervation.