Jejuno-ileal atresia: a 2-year preliminary study on presentation and outcome

Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Jejuno-ileum is the commonest site of intestinal atresia. Reports on Jejunoileal atresia in developing countries are still few. The purpose of this study is to determine the presentation and management outcomes of neonates with Jejunoileal atresia treated in our hospital.

Detailed data on all babies that presented and were treated within the study period (November2008-November, 2010) were kept and analyzed. A management protocol was put up and maintained.

A total of 9 babies (7males and 2 females) were treated. They were aged 2 hours to 13 days. Their weight ranged from 1.7kg to 3.3kg. Apart from one baby which presented within 2hrs with prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, others had bilious vomiting from the first day of birth, abdominal distension and delayed or absent passage of meconium. Even though symptoms developed on the first day of birth, presentation to the surgical unit was delayed 72hours and beyond in most patients.Type I atresia is commonest (no=4).There is associated gut malrotation in 2 babies. Five babies had complications which included surgical site infection, sepsis, prolonged vomiting post operatively, aspiration, rupture of dilated proximal segment after membrane excision, entero-cutaneous fistula and malnutrition. Three babies died giving a mortality of 33.3%. Mortality is commoner in types IIIb and IV.

Mortality is higher in complex atresia which most times will require neonatal intensive care and parenteral nutrition facilities. These are still lacking in our institution. Providing these facilities will further improve outcome.