Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

tracheoesophageal fistula
An abnormal com-
munication between the trachea and esophagus.
Abbreviated TEF. A TEF can be present at birth (con-
genital) or acquired. Congenital TEF is often associ-
ated with other birth defects. Most patients with
congenital TEFs are diagnosed immediately follow-
ing birth or during infancy. Congenital TEFs are
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often associated with life-threatening complications
and require surgical repair. Acquired TEFs can
occur secondary to cancer, trauma, infection, and
ruptured diverticula.
tracheoesophageal puncture
A small opening
that is made by a surgeon between the esophagus
and the trachea. A valve is inserted to keep food out
of the trachea but allow air into the esophagus to
permit tracheoesophageal speech.
tracheostomy
Surgery to create an opening
(stoma) into the windpipe. The opening itself may
also be called a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy may
be made as an emergency measure if the airway is
blocked.
tracheostomy button
A small plastic tube that is
placed in the opening (stoma) of a tracheostomy to
keep it open.
tracheostomy tube
A small metal or plastic tube
that keeps the stoma (opening) and the trachea in a
tracheostomy open. Also known as a trach (pro-
nounced “trake”) tube.
trachoma
A chronic inflammatory disease of the
eye and the leading cause of blindness. Trachoma is
due to infection with the bacterium Chlamydia tra-
chomatis. Transmission occurs mainly among chil-
dren and from children to women caring for them.
Key risk factors include inadequate supplies of
water and low socioeconomic status. Trachoma
affects millions of people worldwide, primarily in
rural communities of the developing world and in
the arid areas of tropical and subtropical zones.
Australia is the only developed country where tra-
choma is still a significant health problem. The dis-
ease goes by a number of names, such as sandy
blight.
traction
In medicine, a procedure for manually
pulling a part of the body to a beneficial effect. See
traction, orthopedic.