Atresia of the small bowel

From 1969 to 1981 duodenal atresia was found in 21 patients and jejuno-ileal atresia in 15 patients. Associated anomalies were revealed in 14 neonates with duodenal atresia and in 2 with jejuno-ileal atresia. Vomiting was the predominant symptom in all patients with ileal atresia except one. Abdominal distension was seen in 2 cases with duodenal atresia and in 11 with jejuno-ileal atresia. The primary surgical procedure was a duodeno-jejunostomy in case of duodenal atresia, and bowel resection with end-to-end anastomosis in jejuno-ileal atresia. Of the 36 patients (8%) died. The cause of death was respiratory insufficiency in one child with duodenal atresia and one with ileal atresia. Another child with ileal atresia died of cardiac malformation. Anastomotic stricture was the most common postoperative complication and was seen in 3 cases with duodenal atresia and in 4 with ileal atresia. As jejuno-ileal atresia is caused by a vascular accident ample resection of the blind ends is recommended.