A study was made of the diagnostic aspects of 11 cases of congenital tracheoesophageal fistula without atresia (H-fistula) seen in the 17 years 1971 through 1988. The features of aspiration with feeding were present from birth in all cases, and yet the diagnosis was often delayed. The results emphasise the complimentary diagnostic roles of contrast esophagogram and rigid open-tube endoscopy. The latter not only yields a high diagnostic rate but is necessary for evaluation of associated congenital anomalies of the aerodigestive tract.