Intestinal Atresia and Webs

Abstract

Congenital intestinal obstruction occurs in approximately 1 in 2000 live births and is one of the most common causes for admission to a neonatal care unit. Morphologically they are divided into either atresia and stenosis depending the continuity of the intestine. Furthermore, they are divided by the region of the gastrointestinal tract involved: duodenal, jejunoileal and colonic. Prenatally they present as polyhydramnios and dilation of the intestine on ultrasound. Neonatally infants present with obstructive symptoms. Usually a radiograph is enough to make the diagnosis of any of these conditions, depending the point of obstruction there might be a “double-bubble” sign or more diffuse intestinal dilation with or without pneumoperitoneum. For more distal obstruction a contrast enema might be needed. Treatment is surgical with a thorough exploration and repair through a single anastomosis or resection with or without anastomosis depending the portion of the gastrointestinal tract involved, other abnormalities and if perforation had occurred.