Intestinal Atresia or Stenosis
What Is Intestinal Atresia or Stenosis?
Intestinal atresia and intestinal stenosis are congenital conditions in which part of a baby’s intestine is either completely blocked (atresia) or abnormally narrowed (stenosis). These abnormalities prevent food and digestive fluids from passing normally through the intestines and typically present shortly after birth.
Intestinal atresia or stenosis can affect different portions of the small or large intestine, including the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, or colon. Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are essential to restore bowel function and support healthy growth and development.
Causes and Associated Conditions
These conditions develop during fetal growth when the intestine does not form properly. While the exact cause is often unknown, contributing factors may include:
- Disruption of blood supply to the developing intestine
- Abnormal intestinal development or recanalization
- Association with other congenital anomalies
- Genetic or chromosomal conditions in some cases
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within the first days of life and may vary depending on the location and severity of the blockage:
- Bilious (green) vomiting
- Abdominal distension or swelling
- Failure to tolerate feedings
- Lack of bowel movements or delayed passage of meconium
- Signs of dehydration or poor weight gain
Partial narrowing (stenosis) may cause milder or delayed symptoms, sometimes presenting later in infancy with feeding difficulties or intermittent vomiting.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves imaging and clinical evaluation, including:
- Abdominal X-rays to identify bowel obstruction
- Contrast studies to locate the level of narrowing or blockage
- Ultrasound to assess abdominal structures
Once diagnosed, infants are stabilized with intravenous fluids and gastric decompression prior to surgery.
Treatment Options
Surgical repair is required to correct intestinal atresia or stenosis. The goal of surgery is to remove or bypass the affected segment of bowel and reconnect healthy sections to restore normal intestinal flow. Surgical approaches may include:
- Resection of the blocked or narrowed bowel segment
- Primary anastomosis to reconnect healthy intestine
- Temporary ostomy in complex or unstable cases
After surgery, infants are closely monitored as feeds are gradually introduced. Long-term outcomes are generally excellent with appropriate surgical care and follow-up.
