Duodenal Atresia - Research Paper Example

Duodenal Atresia Duodenal atresia is a term used for a condition of underdevelopment of the first part of the small bowel. In duodenal atresia, the duodenum is closed and thus does not allow the stomach contents to pass. The first report of duodenal obstruction was published by Calder in 1733 (Karrer and Cuffari, 2014). Although there is lack of sufficient evidence for the causes of duodenal atresia, yet it is believed that it may result during the developmental stages of an embryo when the duodenum failed to change its form from solid to tubular.

It is an extremely rare condition, with only 1 case in 5000 to 10,000 live births (Weerakkody and Jones et al., 2015). Usually, duodenal atresia brings about other birth defects as well. Symptoms of duodenal atresia include swelling of upper abdominal, heavy early vomiting, continued vomiting even without being fed, lack of bowel movements after the initial meconium stools, and lack of urination following the initial voidings. Amniotic fluid is observed in the womb in excessive amounts by a fetal ultrasound; a condition termed as polyhydramnios.

X-ray of the abdomen may reveal the presence of air in the start of the duodenum and the stomach, with no air in the further parts of the duodenum; a condition termed as double-bubble sign. In order to treat duodenum atresia, the stomach is decompressed by placing a tube. An intravenous tube is inserted to correct dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. Other congenital anomalies are also evaluated alongside. A surgery may be required to remove the duodenal blockage, commensurate with the nature of abnormality.

In most cases, the patient recovers after the treatment whereas if left untreated, duodenal atresia can prove fatal. There is no way to prevent duodenal atresia. References:Karrer, F. M., and Cuffari, C. (2014, Nov. 11). Pediatric Duodenal Atresia. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/932917-overview. Weerakkody, Y., and Jones, J. et al. (2015). Duodenal atresia. Retrieved from http://radiopaedia.org/articles/duodenal-atresia.