Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program
Children with complex esophageal and airway conditions often have swallowing and breathing difficulties. We know how stressful it can be to watch your child struggle with these issues. The Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is here to provide the care and support you and your child need.
We are one of only a few places in the country able to provide the breadth and depth of care your child may need. Our program leaders have many years of experience with complex esophageal and airway problems. They work with experts across many specialties to provide complete, personalized and proactive care for children and their families. This can start before birth and continue throughout childhood and long-term follow up.
How we serve you
Every step of the way, our focus is on optimizing each child’s health and growth. This starts with their initial evaluation and continues through long-term follow up by our multidisciplinary team. We work closely with families to create a personalized treatment plan for your child. Their care plan may include both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
Our state-of-the-art esophageal and airway treatments include:
- Esophageal atresia repair
- Primary repair
- Tension-accelerated natural growth (Foker process) for long-gap esophageal atresia
- Esophageal stricture therapy – endoscopic and surgical resection
- Tracheoesophageal fistula repair – endoscopic and surgical closures
- Tracheopexy
- Posterior tracheopexy for severe tracheobronchomalacia and recurrent TEF
- Anterior tracheopexy for severe tracheobronchomalacia
Conditions we treat
Living with swallowing and breathing difficulties is hard. Children with these problems often struggle with common childhood respiratory illnesses and spend a lot of time in the hospital. Our clinicians specialize in diagnosing and treating children with:
- Acquired esophageal strictures
- Congenital esophageal strictures
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Esophageal atresia/Tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) -
Laryngeal cleft (LTC) - Recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas
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Tracheomalacia/Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM)
Why choose CHOP’s Esophageal and Airway Treatment Program
Many families come to us unaware of newer and more innovative treatment approaches that are possible. At CHOP, we offer the most comprehensive and advanced treatment options for children with these complex conditions, all in one place.
Meet your team
Your child will be cared for by a team with exceptional knowledge and experience in the care of these specific esophageal and airway conditions from before birth throughout childhood.
Our locations
Access care from the Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care or our Philadelphia hospital.
What to expect at your first visit
Many families who turn to us have already been through a long and rough treatment course at a different hospital and are looking for help. Our goal is to partner with your family from the start to expedite the process of moving your child’s care to the next level.