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Bowel Atresia
Definition |
Group of conditions where segment of bowel fails to develop a lumen (patent hole) and is therefore blocked. Can occur at any point along bowel length
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| Incidence | 1:1000 live births |
| Diagnosis | Ultrasound features dependent on level of blockage. For example oesophageal associated with polyhydramnios (due to problems swallowing amniotic fluid), whereas anal associated with large bowel dilatation |
| Gestation at diagnosis | Depends on level of blockage. Commonly 20 weeks onwards, but may be later or even after birth (50% of anal atresia diagnosed postnatally) |
| Known cause, chromosomal or genetic association | Upper blockage levels are associated with chromosomal abnormalities (5% of oesophageal and duodenal). Lowe levels (jejunal, ileal) not associated with chromosomal or genetic problems in isolation. Anal atresia is associated with alcohol, diabetes and VACTERL |
| Further investigations | Karyotype if upper bowel levels |
| Differential Diaganosis | Other abdominal abnormalities that can give rise to similar appearances e.g. diaphragmatic hernia, duplication cysts, ovarian cysts etc. |
| Prognosis | If isolated usually good though all will require neonatal surgery and may result in a prolonged hospital stay due to feeding difficulties. If large segments of bowel missing may have significant problems with weight gain. |
| Recurrance risk | Low |
| Research Studies |
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