Atresia of esophagus without fistula

This code signifies a congenital malformation where the esophagus ends in a blind pouch, failing to connect to the stomach. This condition prevents the passage of food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. It is a severe birth defect requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Assign this code for newborns diagnosed with esophageal atresia confirmed by imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray with nasogastric tube coiled in the upper esophagus) and clinical signs such as excessive drooling, choking, and respiratory distress. Documentation should clearly state the absence of a tracheoesophageal fistula.

• Do not use this code if a tracheoesophageal fistula is also present; a more specific code combining both conditions should be selected.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for admission or the main condition being treated.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without fistula" to support the specificity of this code.