Colonic Atresia Flashcards
How common is colonic atresia and what percentage of gastrointestinal atresias does it comprise?
Colonic atresia is a rare condition, occurring in 1 in 40,000 live births and comprises less than 10% of gastrointestinal tract atresias.
What are the potential causes of colonic atresia?
Colonic atresia may be isolated due to a vascular insult or associated with underlying conditions like Hirschsprung’s disease.
How does colonic atresia present clinically?
The dominant feature is abdominal distention rather than vomiting, and the bowel is not immediately at risk of compromise, allowing time for appropriate studies.
What prenatal signs may suggest colonic atresia?
Prenatal signs may include polyhydramnios, and fetal ultrasonography or fetal MRI often helps identify abnormal features of the bowel in the fetus.
Why is a rectal suction biopsy necessary in colonic atresia?
A rectal suction biopsy is required to rule out Hirschsprung’s disease, especially if there is suspicion of this condition associated with colonic atresia.
What is the typical surgical approach for colonic atresia?
The surgical approach is via a transverse laparotomy.
When is a colostomy performed in colonic atresia?
A colostomy is performed if there is a significant difference in caliber between the proximal dilated colon and the distal narrow bowel, preventing primary anastomosis, or if comorbid Hirschsprung’s disease is suspected.
When is primary anastomosis performed in colonic atresia?
Primary anastomosis is performed when the caliber difference allows, with resection of the atretic bowel and end-to-end anastomosis, similar to the approach used in jejunal/ileal atresia.
