Management of tracheal agenesis

Abstract

Complete tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital anomaly that is only compatible with life in some cases with associated tracheo-oesophageal or broncho-oesophageal fistula. In most cases, concomitant congenital anomalies of the heart, digestive tract or genitourinary tract are present. It should be suspected in any neonate with a history of hydramnios, absent crying, respiratory distress and difficulty in intubation. The possibility for surgical correction or palliation rests on the extent of atresia present. We present a case of complete tracheal agenesis without tracheo nor broncho-oesophageal fistula (type II by Floyd's classification) - the diagnosis of which was prenatally suspected - and discuss the important features of the airway management of this condition.