[Congenital jejunoileal and colonic atresia]

Jejunoileal and colonic atresias are a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Authors present the aetiology, types of atresias, clinical symptoms, diagnostics, surgical treatment, problems of postoperative management and prognosis in the newborns with congenital intestinal atresia. In the years 1992-2000, in the Department of Paediatric Surgery and in the Department of Pathology and Intensive Care of Newborn at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, 539 newborns were surgically treated (congenital anomalies of gastrointestinal tract, genito-urinary system, central nervous system, defects of abdominal wall and diaphragm). In 21 patients jejunoileal or colonic atresia were confirmed. On the base of the course of treatment the authors analyse prognostic factors: prematurity, certain types of atresia, additional pathology accompanying intestinal defect, necessesity of re-section of the long part of the bowel or multiple anastomosis. Diagnostic and treatment problems in three patients with short bowel syndrome needed additional discussion.