Intestinal atresia: clinical review of 15 years of experience

ABSTRACT

One hundred and thirteen cases of intestinal atresia had been treated in the University Children Hospital, University of Alexandria in the period between 1978 to 1993. Of these, 76 were males and 37 females. Their age ranged between one day and 40 days with an average mean of 5.8 days. The types of atresia were duodenal in 24, jejunal in 15, ileal in 52, colonic in 14 and multiple in 8 cases. All types were encountered from the mere diaphragm to the complete separated and multiple atresia. Associated anomalies were encountered in 25 cases. All cases were managed as soon as diagnosed. Primary end to back anastomosis was done in 86 cases. Double enterostomy was done in 26 cases and chimney anastomosis in one case. Postoperative hyperalimentation was needed in 20 cases. The survivors were 31. Mortality, early and late accounted for 69. Thirteen patients were lost from the follow-up. The causes of death were sepsis, leak, respiratory failure, cardiac failure, disseminated intravascular coagulopathies and electrolytes imbalance