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Small Bowel Congenital Anomalies: a Review and Update
Grant Morris1, Alfred Kennedy2, William Cochran3
1Department of Pediatrics, Geisinger Clinic, 100 N. Academy Avenue, Danville, PA, 17822, USA.
Insights
Congenital anomalies of the small intestine, including malrotation and atresia, often present in infancy with obstructive symptoms but can be diagnosed with imaging and treated surgically. Prognosis is generally excellent with modern medical and surgical advancements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The small intestine is crucial for life, with congenital anomalies presenting in infancy or adulthood.
- These anomalies commonly cause obstructive symptoms, vomiting, abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common congenital anomalies of the small intestine.
- To discuss their presentation, diagnosis, and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of congenital anomalies including malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications.
- Discussion of diagnostic radiologic procedures.
- Overview of surgical treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Congenital small intestine anomalies can manifest with diverse symptoms, primarily obstruction.
- Radiologic imaging plays a key role in diagnosis.
- Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment, sometimes requiring urgent procedures.
Conclusions:
- The prognosis for congenital small intestine anomalies is favorable and has improved significantly.
- Advances in medical management and surgical techniques enhance patient outcomes.
Abstract:
The small intestine is a complex organ system that is vital to the life of the individual. There are a number of congenital anomalies that occur and present most commonly in infancy; however, some may not present until adulthood. Most congenital anomalies of the small intestine will present with obstructive symptoms while some may present with vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Various radiologic procedures can aid in the diagnosis of these lesions that vary depending on the particular anomaly. Definitive therapy for these congenial anomalies is surgical, and in some cases, surgery needs to be performed urgently. The overall prognosis of congenital anomalies of the small intestine is very good and has improved with improved medical management and the advent of newer surgical modalities. The congenital anomalies of the small intestine reviewed in this article include malrotation, Meckel's diverticulum, duodenal web, duodenal atresia, jejunoileal atresia, and duplications.
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