What characterizes an esophageal fistula?

An esophageal fistula is characterized by an abnormal connection or opening that exists between the esophagus and the trachea. This condition allows food and liquids to potentially enter the airway, increasing the risk of aspiration and respiratory complications. The distinctive feature of this type of fistula is that both the esophagus and trachea remain connected to their respective organs, but they should not normally communicate.

In a healthy anatomy, the esophagus and trachea are separate structures, and an esophageal fistula disrupts this separation, leading to significant clinical concerns. While other choices describe various alterations in esophageal function or structure, they do not accurately capture the essence of an esophageal fistula, which is defined primarily by the abnormal opening between these two distinct parts of the digestive and respiratory systems.