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Gastrointestinal obstruction in neonates and infants - a four-year profile in Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic

O Baratedi1, J Scribante1,2, A Withers3

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.

South African Journal of Surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Chirurgie
|October 7, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Gastrointestinal obstruction in South African infants is primarily caused by congenital malformations, not acquired conditions. Sepsis significantly increases postoperative morbidity and mortality in these young patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction in neonates and infants is a critical condition.
  • Limited data exists on the specific profile of GI obstruction in South African infants.
  • This study addresses the knowledge gap by analyzing cases at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiological and etiological profile of gastrointestinal obstruction in neonates and infants.
  • To identify common causes, management strategies, and outcomes of GI obstruction in this population.
  • To highlight the impact of sepsis on morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective record review of all patients under one year of age with GI obstruction admitted to CHBAH from January 2016 to December 2019.
  • Data collection included demographics, clinical presentation, etiology, diagnostic methods, treatment, complications, and mortality.
  • Analysis focused on comparing congenital versus acquired causes and identifying factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Main Results:

  • A total of 299 patients were included, predominantly male neonates.
  • Congenital malformations (67.89%) were more frequent than acquired conditions (32.11%).
  • Anorectal malformation and small bowel atresia were common congenital causes; intussusception was the most frequent acquired cause. Morbidity was 31.77% and mortality was 5.35%, with sepsis being a major contributing factor.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of GI obstruction in neonates and infants in this South African cohort.
  • Postoperative sepsis is a significant driver of morbidity and mortality.
  • Effective management strategies should address both the underlying pathology and the prevention/treatment of sepsis.
Abstract

Keywords:
acquiredcongenitalgastrointestinal obstructioninfants

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