Intestinal atresia

Intestinal Atresia (Pyloric Atresia; Duodenal Atresia; Ilial Atresia; Jejunal Atresia; Colonic Atresia; Atresia, Intestinal)

Description intestinal atresia

Intestinal atresia is present at birth. When atresia incorrectly formed a certain region of the intestine. In some cases, the intestines may be completely closed. Atresia makes it impossible to pass through the intestines of food or liquid.

Atresia may occur in any part of the bowel and is called location:

• Pyloric atresia – It is located just after the stomach;
• Duodenal atresia – atresia of the initial part of the small intestine;
• Jejunal atresia – It occurs in the small intestine between the upper and lower portions;
• Ileum atresia – It occurs in the last portion of the small intestine;
• Atresia of the colon – It occurs in the colon, and anus.

Causes of intestinal atresia

The causes of intestinal atresia is unclear. Expected, the reason may be the lack of blood flow to the intestine during fetal development.

Risk factors for intestinal atresia

Some types of atresia have a genetic cause.

Risk factors atresia jejunum and ileum include tobacco or cocaine during pregnancy.

Symptoms of intestinal atresia

Atresia may lead to an accumulation of fluid, that surrounds the baby during pregnancy.

After the birth of a child's symptoms of atresia may include:

• Vomiting;
• Swelling of the abdomen;
• Inadequate first chair;
• Lack of interest in feeding.

Diagnosis of intestinal atresia

Prenatal ultrasound examination can detect the accumulation of excess fluid around the baby. The doctor may suspect, that is caused by accumulation of fluid atresia. Additional tests will be scheduled, The ongoing after birth, to confirm the diagnosis.

After birth, the physician monitors the child's symptoms. They will take pictures of the intestine, to confirm the diagnosis and to localize atresia. Tests, that will take pictures of the intestine include:

• X-ray life;
• Rentren upper gastro-intestinal tract;
• Rentren the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Some types of atresia associated with other health problems. To discover related problems, your doctor may prescribe the following tests:

• Echocardiography Heart;
• Genetic screening using amniocentesis – before birth;
• Pictures pochek;
• The test for determining the concentration of sweat chloride, to check on the child's cystic fibrosis.

Treatment of intestinal atresia

Treatment of intestinal atresia is only possible after birth.

Treatment will include surgery on the gut and supportive treatment.

Artificial nutrition

Food enters the body through the intestine. Since the intestines are not working properly, nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream. Nutrient liquid fed through a tube or intravenously in the umbilicus. They are administered before and after surgery.

Recovery after bowel surgery will take several days or weeks. The kid also needs to give small amounts of breast milk or formula for artificial feeding. The recovery period lasts intravenous nutritional fluid. Artificial feeding is stopped, when the child himself will be able to consume a sufficient amount of breast milk or formula feeding.

The extraction of gases and liquids from the body

The intestines can accumulate liquids and gases, which can cause bloating and vomiting. Fluids and gases can cause complications during surgery.

For the removal of excess gases and liquids through the nose into the stomach tube inserted. This will take some of the pressure in the abdomen.

Surgery intestinal atresia

To remove the damaged part of the bowel will need surgery. The healthy part of the intestine will be sewn together. Additional procedures will depend on the condition of the intestine. Sometimes, it may require more than one operation.

Through the abdominal wall into the stomach for feeding tube inserted. It helps to drain the contents of the stomach and deliver it nutrients.

The operation in the lower intestine may also require the creation of a colostomy. The upper part of the remaining intestine is attached to an opening in the abdominal wall . This will remove waste from the body and accelerate the healing of the lower intestine.

Most children tolerate surgery. Follow-up is carried out in order, to make sure, that the intestine works, expected .

Preventing bowel atresia

Currently known methods of prevention of intestinal atresia. It is believed, smoking and cocaine use during pregnancy can lead to atresia.