Duodenal atresia is a congenital disorder where the upper section of the small intestine is blocked, causing vomiting and swelling in the abdomen. Surgery is the only option to correct the condition, and follow-up exams are important for successful treatment. The exact causes are unknown, but it is often diagnosed prenatally and is common in premature babies and those with Down syndrome.
Duodenal atresia is a congenital disorder in which the upper section of the small intestine is completely blocked due to a physical deformity. Food cannot pass from the stomach to the intestines, and an infant with the disorder is likely to vomit frequently. Duodenal atresia is usually fatal if treatment is not given within the first two days of life. A team of experienced surgeons can attempt to correct the condition by manually opening the intestine and removing the tissue causing the blockage. With successful surgery and frequent follow-up exams, most children are able to begin developing normally.
The duodenum is the uppermost portion of the small intestine, connecting the stomach to the main intestinal tract. It’s essentially a hollow tube that aids in digestion. In cases of duodenal atresia, the tube is closed or blocked by abnormal mucosa. As a result, a child’s body is unable to properly digest food, absorb nutrients, and dispose of waste. A similar condition called duodenal stenosis occurs when the tube is narrowed but not completely closed.
Doctors are largely uncertain about the exact causes of duodenal atresia. Most babies who have the condition are born prematurely and their digestive tracts are never fully developed during gestation. The presence of other structural deformities and Down syndrome are common in infants with duodenal atresia.
The most common symptoms of duodenal atresia include vomiting and swelling in the abdomen. Vomit typically contains large amounts of bile, giving it a green hue. Because babies don’t process waste, they are unable to urinate or have a bowel movement. Symptoms of Down syndrome, such as an oddly shaped skull or a lack of muscle tone, may also be present.
In many cases, duodenal atresia is diagnosed prenatally by routine ultrasound. An obstetrician might notice an abundance of amniotic fluid in the uterus, an indication that the fetus isn’t digesting and processing it properly. After a baby is born, abdominal ultrasounds and x-rays can reveal the actual deformity causing the blockage. Doctors may decide to do additional diagnostic tests to check for other abnormalities and Down syndrome.
Surgery is almost always the only option available to correct duodenal atresia. A surgeon makes a small incision near your belly button and inserts a specialized camera to identify the location and nature of the blockage. Surgical instruments are used to open the duodenum and suture it to the intestine. During surgery, your child is usually given a feeding tube and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Follow-up exams are important to ensure that the procedure was successful and that the baby is digesting the nutrients.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
