Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
06:31

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice

Published on: February 5, 2021

[Congenital anatomic gastrointestinal obstruction: prenatal diagnosis, morbidity and mortality]

G Bustos Lozano1, C Orbea Gallardo, O Domínguez García

  • 1Servicios de Neonatología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España. gbustos.hdoc@salud.madrid.org

Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|September 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Congenital gastrointestinal obstruction morbidity and mortality are mainly linked to extraintestinal issues. Prenatal diagnosis for these obstructions is often late and has limited effectiveness, particularly for lower gastrointestinal sites.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Congenital gastrointestinal obstruction presents significant challenges in neonates.
  • Understanding associated morbidities and mortality is crucial for improving outcomes.
  • The role of prenatal diagnosis in managing these conditions requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the morbidity and mortality of congenital gastrointestinal obstruction.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of prenatal diagnosis for these conditions.
  • To analyze outcomes based on the obstruction's anatomical location.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case series of 148 patients over 13 years (1990-2003).
  • Obstruction sites categorized into three groups: gastric/duodenal/jejunal, ileal/colonic, and anorectal.
  • Analysis of surgical interventions, associated syndromes, and diagnostic sensitivities.

Main Results:

  • Overall mortality was 14.2%, significantly influenced by prematurity and extraintestinal malformations.
  • Nosocomial sepsis (32%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (7%) were major morbidities.
  • Prenatal diagnosis sensitivity varied by site (0.77 for upper GI, 0.04 for anorectal) and did not improve prognosis.

Conclusions:

  • Extraintestinal problems are the primary drivers of morbidity and mortality in congenital gastrointestinal obstruction.
  • Midgut volvulus and necrotizing enterocolitis represent severe intestinal complications.
  • Prenatal diagnosis is often delayed and shows limited utility, especially for distal obstructions.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction01:29

Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
Pyloric Obstruction01:11

Pyloric Obstruction

Pyloric obstruction, also referred to as gastric outlet obstruction, is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage at the pylorus—the muscular valve regulating the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. When this passage becomes impaired, the stomach cannot effectively empty its contents into the small intestine. This disruption leads to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including early satiety, bloating, epigastric pain, postprandial nausea, persistent vomiting, and...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders01:20

Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...