[Atresia of the small intestine--diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]

The objective of this study is to analyze our experience in diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel atresia. Fifteen neonates were operated for a 5-year perid (2000-2004) with small-bowel atresia--8 duodenal, 5 jejunal, and 2 ileal. Postoperative complications were: short-bowel syndrome--2 children, central venous catheter induced sepsis--2 children, and by 1 child with necrotising enterocolitis, anastomotic leakage, adhesive obstruction, liver insufficiency. Early mortality rate was 13% (2 of 15) and 1 late death (7%). The overall mortality rate was 20%. The survival rate for infants with small-bowel atresia has remained relatively stable for the last decade. The major obstacles continue to be serious associated anomalies and the treatment of children with short-bowel syndrome. Widely use of growth factors and hormones and experience with small-bowel transplantation should reduce morbidity and mortality in children with small-bowel atresia.