Management of tracheal agenesis

Complete tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital anomaly that is only c ompatible with life in some cases with associated tracheo-oesophageal or br oncho-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, r espiratory distress and difficulty in intubation. The possibility for surgi cal correction or palliation rests on the extent of atresia present. We pre sent a case of complete tracheal agenesis without tracheo nor broncho-oesop hageal fistula (type II by Floyd's classification) - the diagnosis of which was prenatally suspected - and discuss the important features of the airwa y management of this condition.