Duodenal atresia or stenosis occurs when the top part of the small intestine, the duodenum, does not develop correctly. In duodenal atresia, the duodenum is completely blocked, so milk and fluids cannot pass into the digestive tract. In duodenal stenosis, the duodenum is abnormally narrow, making passage of fluids difficult.
Duodenal atresia and duodenal stenosis are both rare conditions that a baby is born with. Babies who have duodenal atresia sometimes have other types of birth defects, such as Down syndrome. Sometimes duodenal atresia is diagnosed by ultrasound before birth.
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What are the signs and symptoms of duodenal atresia or stenosis?
Symptoms of duodenal atresia or stenosis start shortly after birth and can include:
- Vomiting
- Not being able to feed
- Swelling in the upper stomach area
Some babies with duodenal stenosis have less severe symptoms that may not start until they are a bit older.
What causes duodenal atresia or stenosis?
Duodenal atresia or stenosis are conditions that develop during pregnancy, before a baby is born. Experts do not know the exact cause.
How is duodenal atresia or stenosis treated?
Duodenal atresia or stenosis needs to be treated by surgery to repair the duodenum. The surgery is usually done a few days after your baby’s birth. At Connecticut Children’s, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to repair all types of congenital anomalies in children.