Clinical characteristics and management of reoperation for high jejunal atresia: a retrospective study

To analyze the clinical characteristics and available treatment strategies for reoperation of neonatal high jejunal atresia, and recommend preventive measures to reduce the reoperation rate of high jejunal atresia.

The clinical data of 16 children with high jejunal atresia who underwent reoperation in the Neonatal Surgery Department at Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2018 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.

Among the 16 unplanned reoperations, 7 (43.6%) were performed for functional ileus, 3 (18.8%) for anastomotic stenosis, 3 (18.8%) for adhesive ileus, and 3 (18.8%) for postoperative proximal septum. Surgical procedures for reoperations include duodenoplasty, resection and re-anastomosis of the original anastomosis, resection of the duodenal septum and enterolysis. Among the 16 patients, 1 had short-bowel syndrome that required repeated hospital admission for parenteral nutrition treatment, and 1 patient died of recurrent pneumonia and heart failure after surgery. The other 14 patients recovered from reoperation and were discharged. The patients were followed up from 1 month to 5 years after surgery, and showed good growth.

For children with high jejunal atresia, the operative procedure will vary according to each patient's circumstances. If postoperative functional obstruction occurs, a wider range of bowel cutting and re-anastomosis can be performed. During the first operation, the diaphragm at the proximal end of jejunal atresia should not be missed.