Congenital Duodenal Obstruction in Neonates: Over 13 Years' Experience from a Single Centre

To study the prevalence of associated anomalies with neonatal duodenal obstruction and factors impacting short-term survival.

Records of 31 neonates with neonatal duodenal obstruction could be retrieved and analyzed for a 13.5-year-period (October 2003-May 2016). M:F ratio was 1.58:1. The mean birth weight was 2.15 kg; 12 patients were preterm. Etiologies included duodenal atresia (n=23), duodenal web (n=8) and malrotation of gut (n= 6).

Associated anomalies were seen in 19/31: Down's syndrome (n=6), anorectal malformation (ARM) (n=5), annular pancreas (n=5), cardiac anomalies (n=4), esophageal atresia with trachea-esophageal fistula (EA with TEF) (n=3). Mortality in the series was 22.5%; 5 deaths and 2 patients left against medical advice in moribund state (hidden mortality). Mortality in associated anomalies group was 5/19; and 2/12 in the no anomalies group, though this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.676). Similarly, low birth weight (LBW) did not have impact on survival (p=0.639) but preterm status had highly significant p value (<0.001).

Duodenal atresia was the commonest cause of neonatal duodenal obstruction. Associated anomalies were noted in 61% patients, Down's syndrome being the most frequent. These anomalies did not have any significant impact on the survival, nor did LBW. Preterm status had significant impact on prognosis.