Intestinal Atresia

What is intestinal atresia?

Also known as small bowel atresia, intestinal atresia is a congenital condition that involves a blockage or obstruction in the small intestine. Atresia is a complete blockage of the intestine, but if the intestine is only partially blocked, it’s called stenosis. 

California Pediatric Surgical Group treats different types of intestinal atresia and stenosis, including:

Duodenal atresia

About half of all intestinal atresia cases occur in the duodenum, or the first section of the small intestine that connects to the stomach. Duodenal atresia is the most common form of this condition. 

Pyloric atresia

Pyloric atresia is the rarest form of congenital intestinal obstruction, occurring in about one in 1 million births. This condition affects the opening between the stomach and small intestine. In rare cases, the opening is completely absent.

How is intestinal atresia diagnosed?

California Pediatric Surgical Group may diagnose intestinal atresia before your baby’s born during a prenatal consultation. Your primary physician may suspect intestinal atresia if you have polyhydramnios, or an excess of amniotic fluid. Intestinal atresia may be visible on a prenatal ultrasound.

They may also diagnose atresia after your baby is born with an abdominal ultrasound or X-ray. A newborn who vomits frequently may have intestinal atresia. 

What should I do if I find out my baby has intestinal atresia?

If your baby has intestinal atresia or stenosis, they will need surgery after birth to treat the obstruction. It’s normal to feel scared about having your baby undergo surgery. The compassionate team at California Pediatric Surgical Group guides you through what to expect from the moment you deliver your baby to the time you take them home and beyond. 

What is the long-term outlook for babies born with intestinal atresia?

With expert care from California Pediatric Surgical Group, long-term outcomes for intestinal atresia are excellent. However, nutrition can be a challenge and may require specialized care. Your provider advises you on how to increase feeding gradually and may send your child home with a temporary nasal feeding tube. 

If your baby may have intestinal atresia, call California Pediatric Surgical Group or book an appointment online today.