The literature concerning esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistulae has been enhanced by the discussion of respiratory complications encountered after surgical repair. The presence of dysphagia not responding to bouginage after these surgical repairs suggests possible tracheobronchial remnants. Esophageal perforation remains a life-threatening event. Most perforations occur during therapeutic endoscopy. Criteria for choosing medical or surgical treatment have been further defined recently. Injury from ingestion of strong alkalis and strong acids is infrequent in most developed countries. A large database on investigating and managing these patients has been published from India. The assessment and management of the patient after battery ingestion is simplified following a report of a series of 2382 cases. Recommendations on management of the patient who has swallowed a battery have been proposed by the authors. Further modification on management will become available as more data are published.