A full-term male newborn is brought to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) immediately after birth due to difficulty feeding and excessive drooling. The baby becomes cyanotic and coughs every time he attempts to feed. His parents also notice frothy secretions coming from his mouth. Despite suctioning, the symptoms persist, and he is unable to tolerate any oral feedings.

On examination, the newborn appears in mild respiratory distress. The medical team attempts to pass a nasogastric tube, but it meets resistance and coils in the upper esophagus. A chest X-ray confirms the diagnosis of esophageal atresia, where the upper and lower segments of the esophagus are not connected, preventing food from reaching the stomach. No signs of tracheoesophageal fistula are detected.

The pediatric surgical team is consulted, and the baby is prepared for surgery to repair the esophageal atresia. The parents are informed that this is a congenital anomaly and that immediate surgery is necessary. The newborn is placed on intravenous fluids and kept on respiratory support as needed until surgery can be performed.

The parents are reassured that with prompt surgical intervention, the baby has a good prognosis. Long-term follow-up will be required to monitor for potential complications, such as strictures or feeding difficulties, but the family is optimistic after discussing the plan with the care team.