Correlation analysis of feeding intolerance and defecation after primary anastomosis for neonatal intestinal atresia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Congenital intestinal atresia requires surgical intervention, often primary anastomosis.
• Postoperative feeding intolerance is a common complication impacting recovery.
• Predicting and managing feeding intolerance is crucial for neonatal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between postoperative feeding intolerance and defecation patterns.
• To identify factors that predict feeding intolerance after intestinal atresia repair.
• To inform prognostic assessment and timely interventions for gastrointestinal function recovery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 114 neonates with congenital intestinal atresia.
• Patients underwent primary anastomosis between January 2014 and December 2022.
• Data collected included basic information, intraoperative details, postoperative feeding, defecation, and hospitalization duration.

Main Results:

• Key risk factors for feeding intolerance include gestational age, timing of first postoperative defecation, and previous day's defecation frequency.
• Preterm infants exhibit a higher incidence of postoperative feeding intolerance.
• Defecation patterns serve as significant indicators for feeding intolerance.

Conclusions:

• Defecation monitoring is vital for determining and predicting postoperative feeding intolerance in infants.
• Pediatricians can utilize defecation data to guide the timing of feeding initiation.
• Accurate assessment of defecation offers valuable insights into neonatal gastrointestinal recovery post-surgery.