Duodenal AtresiaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Duodenal Atresia
Duodenal atresia is a condition in which the first part of the small bowel (the duodenum) has not developed properly. It is not open and does not allow the passage of stomach contents.
The cause of duodenal atresia is not known. It is thought to result from problems during an embryo's development. The duodenum does not change from a solid to a tube-like structure, as it normally would.
Many infants with duodenal atresia also have Down syndrome. Duodenal atresia is often associated with other birth defects.
Symptoms of duodenal atresia include:
- Upper abdominal swelling (sometimes)
- Early vomiting of large amounts, which may be greenish (containing bile)
- Continued vomiting even when infant has not been fed for several hours
- No bowel movements after the first few meconium stools
A tube is placed to decompress the stomach. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are corrected by providing fluids through an intravenous tube (IV, into a vein). Checking for other congenital anomalies should be done.
Surgery to correct the duodenal blockage is necessary, but not an emergency. The exact surgery will depend on the nature of the abnormality. Other problems (such as those related to Down syndrome) must be treated as appropriate.
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware
Loren Berman is a Pediatric Surgeon and a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Berman is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. She is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Duodenal Atresia, Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Appendicitis, Gastrostomy, and Appendectomy. Dr. Berman is board certified in Surgery, American Board Of Surgery, and Pediatric. Dr. Berman is currently accepting new patients.
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware
Matthew Boelig is a Pediatric Surgeon and a Pediatrics provider practicing medicine in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Boelig is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Duodenal Atresia, Atresia of Small Intestine, Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, and Splenectomy. Dr. Boelig is board certified in General, Surgery, American Board Of Surgery, and Pediatric. Dr. Boelig is currently accepting new patients.
Cleveland Clinic Children's Outpatient Center
Jason Robertson is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Robertson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. He is also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Diaphragmatic Hernia, Pectus Excavatum, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Appendectomy, and Endoscopy. Dr. Robertson is board certified in American Board Of Surgery, 2020. Dr. Robertson is currently accepting new patients.
Recovery from the duodenal atresia is expected after treatment. If not treated, the condition is deadly.
These complications may occur:
- Other birth defects
- Dehydration
After surgery, there may be complications such as:
- Swelling of the first part of the small bowel
- Problems with movement through the intestines
- Gastroesophageal reflux
Contact your health care provider if your newborn is:
- Feeding poorly or not at all
- Vomiting (not simply spitting up) or if the vomit is green
- Not urinating or having bowel movements
There is no known prevention.
Published Date: April 06, 2025
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Bales CB, Liacouras CA. Intestinal atresia, stenosis, and malrotation. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 376.
Dingeldein M. Selected gastrointestinal anomalies in the neonate. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 88.
Semrin MG. Anatomy, histology, and developmental anomalies of the stomach and duodenum. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 49.