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Management of isolated and associated colonic atresia

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Abstract

Purpose

Colonic atresia is a rare cause of congenital intestinal obstruction in the neonate. A review of the management and outcome of children with colonic atresia was performed.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the complete records of children treated for colonic atresia during the 30-year period.

Results

A total of 14 newborns were treated. Seven infants suffered from an isolated colonic atresia (group 1). In the other seven infants (group 2), colonic atresia was either associated with additional intestinal atresias (n = 2), or gastroschisis (n = 5). Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in infants from group 2 compared to group 1 (40 ± 0.5 vs. 37 ± 1 weeks (P < 0.05); and 3,478 ± 208 vs. 2,626 ± 242 g (P < 0.01), respectively). The first surgical procedure was performed in all newborns within 24 h after birth. All but one infant from group 1 received primary colostomies at the level of colonic atresia, followed by end-to-side anastomoses. All but one infant from group 2 needed ileocoecal resection due to bowel necrosis. No child died in group 1, whereas three children died in group 2.

Conclusions

Isolated colonic atresia is amenable with a short hospital stay and an excellent outcome. In contrast, infants with colonic atresia associated with gastroschisis present a serious clinical challenge.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Medical University Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, 8036, Graz, Austria

    Emir Q. Haxhija, Johannes Schalamon & Michael E. Höllwarth

Authors
  1. Emir Q. Haxhija
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  2. Johannes Schalamon
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  3. Michael E. Höllwarth
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Correspondence to Emir Q. Haxhija.

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Haxhija, E.Q., Schalamon, J. & Höllwarth, M.E. Management of isolated and associated colonic atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 27, 411–416 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-010-2802-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-010-2802-3

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