Complications and Outcomes in Neonates with Gastrointestinal Atresia: A Study at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd

Background & Objective: Intestinal atresia stands as a prevalent cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction, necessitating surgical intervention.Given the susceptibility of these patients to complications and potential mortality, this study aims to explore the complications and outcomes associated with intestinal atresias. Materials & Methods:This retrospective cohort study encompassed 59 patients with intestinal atresia evaluated at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd between 2016 and 2021.Demographic data, atresia location, concurrent anomalies, complications, and outcomes were documented and analyzed.Results: 59 patients with intestinal atresia, 22 boys and 37 girls, with a mean gestational age of 36.23 2.61 weeks, were evaluated.Duodenal atresia was present in 39%, jejunal atresia in 28.8%, ileal atresia in 8.5%, colonic atresia in 5.1%, and concurrent jejunal and ileal atresia in 18.6% of cases.The predominant associated anomaly was cardiac (39%).Post-surgery, oral feeding commenced on average by day 8, with a complete transition to enteral nutrition by day 21.Thirty-four neonates (57.6%) necessitated a central venous line for TPN administration, with an average parenteral nutrition duration of approximately 14 days.Early postoperative complications included apnea (32.2%), anastomotic leak (10.2%), sepsis (25.4%), and wound dehiscence and infection (5.1%).Short bowel syndrome developed in 15.3% post-treatment.Late complications involved cholestasis (20.3%), chronic diarrhea (10.2%), chronic constipation (3.4%), and adhesive bowel obstruction (23.7%).The mortality rate was 15.3%, with the highest mortality associated with duodenal atresia (44.4%). Conclusion:A comprehensive assessment for concurrent anomalies, prompt treatment, and suitable nutritional support prove instrumental in mitigating complications and mortality in patients with intestinal atresia.