Why Choose CHOP’s Esophageal and Airway Treatment Program

Illustration of a long-gap esophageal atresia that can be treated surgically by the EAT Program 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 team of specialists in the Esophageal and Airway Treatment (EAT) Program has decades of experience caring for children with these rare and complex conditions. We offer a wide variety of services and specialties children with esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula and other esophageal problems will need, in both the short- and long-term. 

How we can help

• We provide comprehensive, coordinated care, all in one place. 
• We offer a full range of medical and surgical treatments. 
• We create tailored care plans that take into account each patient and family’s unique needs. 
• We use advanced surgical techniques with the goal of preserving a child’s natural esophagus whenever possible. 
• We follow patients through our interdisciplinary clinic so we can intervene early to treat any long-term concerns. 

Our goal is to give children the best chance to: 

• Enjoy eating by mouth
• Overcome common illnesses
• Thrive at home

Coordinated care from the very start

Most children born with esophageal atresia or tracheoesophageal fistula are diagnosed after birth. Families who come to us with a prenatal diagnosis will find support in our Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. If your child has a serious airway or esophageal problem diagnosed before birth, they may have the option of being delivered in CHOP’s Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit (SDU). 

If your child requires intensive care, they also have access to CHOP’s Harriet and Ronald Lassin Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU).

High patient volumes and ongoing research 

We see a high volume of patients. This enables us to study unanswered questions about esophageal and airway problems. We are actively engaged in translational research to improve the medical and surgical care of patients with esophageal atresia and esophageal strictures. 

Our research seeks to: 

• Better understand esophageal atresia and esophageal stricture
• Improve surgical and medical treatments
• Develop genetic tests that provide earlier diagnosis  

The combination of our research advances, surgical innovations and well-rounded team enhances the care we are able to provide for our patients.