Contact
Phone: (02) 9382 1632
About our service
The OA/TOF service runs a family-centred specialist clinic which offers comprehensive medical, surgical, nursing and allied health care to children, aged 0-18 years, with Oesophageal Atresia / Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula.
OA/TOF children have a life-long condition and therefore the OA/TOF clinic aims to provide a continuum of care throughout childhood and during their transition to adult medical services. Our team will assess all aspects of your child’s medical, nutritional, developmental, and psychosocial wellbeing.
Our team was the first to describe the condition "Eosinophilic esophagitis (An allergic inflammation of the food pipe which can cause feeding difficulties and strictures) which occurs more commonly in OA-TOF patients compared to the general population. Due to this discovery this condition is now routinely looked for in OA-TOF children from around the world thereby leading to early intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Our service works in close collaboration with Gastroenterology.
What is oesophageal atresia (0A)?
Oesophageal Atresia is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Instead of forming a tube between the mouth and the stomach, the oesophagus grows in two separate segments that do not connect. In some children, so much of the oesophagus is missing that the ends can't be easily connected with surgery. This is known as long-gap OA.
OA frequently occurs along with tracheooesophageal fistula (TOF) and as many as half of all babies with OA/TOF have another birth defect, as well. Without a working oesophagus, it's impossible to receive enough nutrition by mouth. Luckily, OA is treatable.
Referral process for clinicians
Our department is using Consultmed to manage referrals. The Consultmed platform allows health professionals to send e-referrals to us securely.
Consultmed questions and technical support: helpdesk@consultmed.co
Referral and appointment process for parents and carers
Request a referral
To make an appointment at our clinic, you will need a referral from your GP, paediatrician or specialist. They will assess your child, discuss your concerns, and make a referral to the appropriate service.
When referring to the OA-TOF clinic please make sure your referral is addressed to the key clinic members listed on this page. Each clinic specialist will require a separate referral addressed specifically to the specialist name to be seen in OA-TOF clinic. This will be 4 separate referrals.
You can request an indefinite referral which will last the lifespan of your child's treatment at Sydney children's Hospital.
Track your referral
Our department uses Consultmed to manage referrals. Your referring clinician sends the e-referral to us using the secure Consultmed platform.
Once we receive the referral, we will send you an email with your tracking information. We will update you as we process the referral and book your appointment.
To receive these updates, please ask your referring clinician to include your email on the referral.
If your clinician has questions about Consultmed or require technical support, they can contact helpdesk@consultmed.co.
Need support?
If you need help or have questions about the referral and appointment process, please contact us.
Phone: (02) 9382 1632
Clinic information
The OA/TOF clinic provides each child with an individually designed treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. We offer comprehensive clinical evaluation and innovative treatment approaches within a multidisciplinary framework.
The clinic is the first and only such paediatric multidisciplinary dedicated facility for OA-TOF in Australia and has led to numerous advances in the management and outcomes for children with OA-TOF.
- Our surgeons can perform the “Foker Technique” to stimulate growth of the upper and lower ends of the oesophagus. If your child is born with long gap oesophageal atresia, we are the most experienced Australian centre who can perform this technique.
- Our clinic is able to comprehensively investigate your child's symptoms and gastrointestinal, respiratory, ENT status with endoscopy, high resolution manometry of oesophagus, pH-Impedance testing, Lung Function Testing, Cardio-Pulmonary exercise Testing, Laryngo-broncho-oesophagoscopy, Swallow testing with Modified Barium swallow and FEES were indicated.
Each member of the team plays a key roles in the complex aspects of the care for the children and adolescents with OA-TOF. To maintain innovative treatment our team continues to be involved in research which is revolutionising the OA/TOF patient care and experiences.
Since the clinic's inception in 2011, more than 200 children of all ages from neonates to adolescents with OA-TOF are cared for in a wholistic manner by our dedicated team of medical and allied health professionals.
Clinic times:
- Monday fortnight's at 2:00pm
- We hold a transition clinic 2-3 times a year for 14-18 year olds. At your child's last transition clinic we have the adult services join collaboratively.
Our team
Our team is the only team Australia wide to provide a dedicated OA-TOF multidisciplinary service.
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A/Prof Usha Krishnan - Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Director of OA-TOF Services
