Duodenal Atresia Overview
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.
Amir Alhajjat is a Pediatric Surgeon and a Pediatrics provider in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Alhajjat is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. His top areas of expertise are Duodenal Atresia, Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of Lung, Atresia of Small Intestine, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Endoscopy. Dr. Alhajjat is currently accepting new patients.
Elizabeth Renaud is a Pediatric Surgeon and a Pediatrics provider in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Renaud is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. Her top areas of expertise are Duodenal Atresia, Hirschsprung Disease, Hernia, Gastrostomy, and Oophorectomy.
Monica Langer is a Pediatric Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Langer is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. Her top areas of expertise are Gastroschisis, Duodenal Atresia, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Appendectomy. Dr. Langer 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.
Summary: Congenital duodenal atresia is a common cause of neonatal obstruction affecting 1 in 5000-10000 neonates. Laparoscopic management of this malformation is becoming increasingly common. However, few comparative studies exist and are often monocentric including few patients. This study will be multicentric, international and comparative to determine the place of laparoscopic surgery in the management...
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.