Duodenal atresia

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Stomach and small intestine

A tube is placed to decompress the stomach. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities are corrected by providing fluids through an intravenous tube. An evaluation for other congenital anomalies should be performed.

Surgery to correct the duodenal blockage is necessary, but is not an emergency. The surgical approach will depend on the nature of the abnormality. Associated problems (such as those related to Downs syndrome) must be treated as appropriate.

Recovery from the duodenal atresia is expected after treatment. Untreated, the condition is fatal.

• Associated congenital anomalies
• Dehydration
• After surgery, there may be late complications such as duodenal swelling (megaduodenum), intestinal motility problems, or gastroesophageal reflux.

Call your health care provider if your newborn is feeding poorly or not at all, vomiting (not simply spitting up), not urinating or stooling, or if the vomit is green.

Review Date: 10/31/2005
Reviewed By: Jeremy Goverman, M.D., Department of Trauma and Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.