Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
07:18

Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers

Published on: January 9, 2026

Understanding neonatal bowel obstruction: building knowledge to advance practice

Nicole T de Silva1, Jennifer A Young, Paul W Wales

  • 1NICU, Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario, Canada.

Neonatal Network : NN
|September 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal bowel obstruction requires understanding gastrointestinal anatomy and pathophysiology. Early recognition, diagnosis, and management, including gastric decompression and fluid balance, are crucial for infant care.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Neonatal bowel obstruction presents a significant clinical challenge.
  • Requires specialized knowledge of infant gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy and physiology.
  • Understanding pathophysiology is key for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key features of the neonatal GI tract.
  • To discuss common causes of intestinal blockage in newborns.
  • To highlight the importance of early recognition and diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of neonatal gastrointestinal anatomy and functional landmarks.
  • Discussion of the pathophysiology of intestinal obstruction.
  • Analysis of common presenting symptoms and diagnostic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of normal neonatal GI anatomy.
  • Explanation of various causes leading to bowel obstruction.
  • Emphasis on clinical assessment and diagnostic interpretation.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management hinges on a strong foundation of GI knowledge.
  • Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for neonates.
  • This review provides essential information for healthcare providers.

More Related Videos

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction07:33

A Mouse Model of Intestinal Partial Obstruction

Published on: March 5, 2018

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis08:49

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis

Published on: October 29, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
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,...
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:
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...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction01:30

Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction

Esophageal strictures involve abnormal narrowing or tightening of the esophagus. They vary in length and severity, ranging from mild constriction to complete obstruction, and are classified as benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...