Bowel Atresia
Bowel Atresia in Newborns PetalingJaya, Malaysia
Bowel atresia is a rare congenital condition in which part of a baby’s intestine is narrowed or completely blocked. This blockage can prevent milk, food and digestive contents from moving normally through the bowel, causing intestinal obstruction.
Bowel atresia can affect different parts of the intestine. When it affects the small intestine, it is known as small bowel atresia. The symptoms, location of the blockage and treatment needs can vary between newborns.
Not every newborn with feeding difficulties, vomiting or delayed bowel movements has bowel atresia. These symptoms can have several causes, so prompt assessment by a neonatal or paediatric surgical team is important when intestinal obstruction is suspected.
What Is Bowel Atresia?
Bowel atresia is a congenital condition, meaning it develops before birth. In affected babies, a section of the intestine does not form normally or becomes completely closed.
The intestine, also called the bowel, is part of the digestive system. It carries digested food and fluids through the body so nutrients can be absorbed and waste can be passed out.When part of the bowel is blocked, its contents cannot move through normally. This can result in a condition known as intestinal obstruction.
Types of Intestinal Atresia
Intestinal atresia can occur in different parts of the bowel. The location of the blockage helps determine the symptoms and treatment approach.
Small bowel atresia affects the small intestine and is one of the more common forms of bowel atresia in newborns. It may involve the duodenum, jejunum or ileum.
Atresia can also affect the large intestine, although colonic atresia is uncommon. The medical team will determine the location and type of obstruction through clinical assessment and appropriate investigations.
What Causes Bowel Atresia?
The exact cause of bowel atresia is not always known. In some cases, it may be related to an interruption of blood supply to a section of the developing intestine before birth, which can affect normal bowel development.
Bowel atresia is not usually caused by something parents have done during pregnancy. Some babies with bowel atresia may also have other congenital conditions, so the medical team may assess the baby for associated abnormalities.
Signs of Bowel Obstruction in Newborns
The symptoms of bowel atresia can vary depending on where the blockage occurs and how complete it is.A newborn may develop vomiting, abdominal swelling, feeding difficulties or problems passing stool. In some cases, the vomit may be green or yellow-green, which can indicate bile.
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a baby has bowel atresia. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms. However, persistent vomiting, significant abdominal swelling, feeding difficulties or concerns about bowel movements in a newborn require prompt medical assessment.
How Is Bowel Atresia Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a clinical examination and imaging tests. An abdominal X-ray may help show signs of intestinal obstruction and provide information about where the blockage may be. A contrast study may also be recommended in some cases. During a contrast enema, a liquid that can be seen on X-rays is introduced through the rectum. This can help doctors assess the large intestine and may provide information about the location or type of obstruction.The exact investigations depend on the newborn’s symptoms and the suspected cause of the obstruction.
Bowel Atresia Surgery
Many newborns with confirmed bowel atresia require surgery to address the obstruction. The timing and type of surgery depend on the location and extent of the blockage, the baby’s condition and any associated abnormalities.
During surgery, the paediatric surgical team may remove a damaged or unusable section of bowel and join the healthy ends together. This is called a bowel anastomosis.
In some situations, a temporary stoma may be needed. A stoma is a surgically created opening through the abdominal wall that allows bowel contents to leave the body into a collection bag. Whether a stoma is required depends on the individual circumstances.
Paediatric Bowel Surgery
Paediatric bowel surgery is tailored to the newborn’s condition. Before surgery, the baby may require supportive treatment such as fluids, nutritional support and measures to relieve the intestinal obstruction.
The surgical team will assess the baby’s overall condition and consider factors such as the location of the atresia, the condition of the bowel and the presence of other abnormalities.
Parents will be informed about the planned procedure, possible risks and the care that may be required after surgery.
Bowel Atresia Care With Dr Nada
Dr Nada provides paediatric surgical assessment for newborns and children with conditions affecting the bowel. When bowel obstruction is suspected, the priority is to establish the underlying cause and determine whether specialist neonatal or paediatric surgical care is required.
Treatment decisions are based on the newborn’s clinical condition, investigation results, the location and extent of the obstruction and any associated abnormalities.
Parents can discuss the diagnosis, proposed treatment, surgical options and follow-up care with the paediatric surgical team.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Attention?
Newborns with persistent vomiting, green or yellow-green vomit, increasing abdominal swelling, feeding difficulties or concerns about passing stool should be assessed promptly by a medical team. These symptoms can have different causes and do not confirm bowel atresia. However, intestinal obstruction in a newborn can require urgent assessment and treatment. If your newborn appears seriously unwell, has significant breathing difficulty, becomes unusually drowsy or develops other signs of an emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bowel atresia is a congenital condition where part of the intestine is narrowed or completely blocked. The blockage can prevent the normal movement of digestive contents through the bowel.
Small bowel atresia is a type of intestinal atresia affecting the small intestine. It can occur in different sections of the small bowel, including the duodenum, jejunum or ileum.
No. Vomiting in newborns can have many causes. Green or yellow-green vomiting, persistent vomiting or vomiting associated with abdominal swelling requires prompt medical assessment because it can be a sign of intestinal obstruction.
Doctors may use a physical examination and imaging tests such as an abdominal X-ray. Other investigations, including contrast studies, may be recommended depending on the suspected location and cause of the obstruction.
Many confirmed cases require surgery, but the timing and type of treatment depend on the location and extent of the obstruction, the baby’s condition and associated abnormalities.
Intussusception can recur in some children. If symptoms return after treatment, the child should receive medical assessment.