[The small left colon syndrome. 3 cases]

In the light of three cases of neonatal obstruction related to a small calibre descending colon, the authors review the main clinical and radiological signs and compare them with the data in the literature. This functional disturbance is related to immaturity of the intrinsic innervation of the colon which is especially common in low birth weight neonates or of diabetic mothers. Diagnosis is dependent upon enema using diluted uroangiographic hydrosoluble iodine contrast medium, which shows a disparity in calibre at the left colic angle. The differential diagnosis lies with Hirschsprung's disease. Functional ileus in premature infants, meconium ileus and the "small left colon syndrome" are related to the same pathogenisis: functional immaturity of the colon.