Atresia of Small Intestine

Definition

Definition of Atresia of Small Intestine
The small bowel is the section of bowel between the stomach and the large bowel (colon). It is about 300cm long in a newborn baby at full term and its function is to absorb food.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Atresia of Small Intestine
Consult with your doctor.

Causes

Causes of Atresia of Small Intestine
Atresia is believed to be caused by damage to the blood vessels of the bowel. It is not known why the blood vessels are damaged but this damage can happen at any time during pregnancy.

Most commonly, the bowel is blocked but none is missing. In some babies there is a section missing and although usually this is an insignificant amount, in some babies it may be enough to interfere with the baby's ability to absorb milk.

Babies can have over half the bowel missing without there being much effect on milk (or later, food) absorption. However in some babies there is so much bowel missing that special feeding is needed. This is known as short bowel syndrome. It could mean long term hospitalisation and drip feeding. Sadly many of these babies do not survive.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Atresia of Small Intestine
In a few babies the diagnosis may be suspected on antenatal ultrasound scan. There are a number of causes of blockage other than atresia. An x-ray of the baby's abdomen may suggest a blockage but the final diagnosis of atresia may only be made at operation.

Treatment

Treatment of Atresia of Small Intestine
An operation will be necessary in the first few days of life. The ends of the atresia are cut away and the bowel joined back together. This is usually a simple procedure.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Atresia of Small Intestine
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Atresia of Small Intestine
There is no known prevention.