Tracheal collapse following esophageal atresia repair.

Expiratory collapse of the trachea was demonstrated radiographically in three infants with esophageal atresia who developed episodes of severe upper respiratory obstruction in the first few weeks of life. The abnormality is most readily seen fluoroscopically in such patients, though tracheal narrowing may be visible on an expiratory lateral chest radiography. An unusually long tracheostomy tube may be required to bypass the site of obstruction.