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.
Children's Multispecialty Center La Cantera
Katherine Barsness is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Barsness is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Duodenal Atresia, Tracheoesophageal Fistula, Atresia of Small Intestine, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Barsness is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.
ETSU Physicians & Associates- Pediatric Surgery
Lesli Taylor is a Pediatric Surgeon practicing medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Taylor is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Duodenal Atresia. She is also highly rated in 6 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Infantile Pyloric Stenosis, Pilonidal Sinus Disease, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, and Undescended Testicle. Dr. Taylor is board certified in American Board Of Surgery.
Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware
Dr. Loren Berman is a pediatric general surgeon, an active researcher, and an author of peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She enjoys training the next generation of pediatric surgeons. Another role she enjoys here at Nemours is working on maintaining quality and safety to deliver the highest quality of care. Even when I was a child, I was curious about the human body, how it works and why it sometimes doesn’t. The more I learned, the more I realized I wanted to know how to fix things that go wrong. I came upon surgery to do that in a very hands-on fashion. I like working with children, and find them to be full of energy, incredibly resilient and inspiring as patients. I also appreciate the chance to form relationships with their parents. Family-centered medicine is much more than a buzzword. Outcomes improve when the family is part of the care team. I enjoy helping that happen. I value the relationships that I build with kids and parents, and I see most of them again in follow-ups. I love taking care of babies — and supporting their families through what can be an intense time in their lives. Unlike many adult surgeons, my job doesn’t end with surgery. I will often see a family many times for follow-up visits. I get to know them well. I feel involved for the long-term.I also enjoy watching a resident grow and hearing from them once they are practicing surgeons and training other surgeons. I find joy in seeing the impact when I develop a standardized process to improve care and can see the improvement. One of my primary roles as a surgeon is to be a teacher. I am committed not only to helping my patients and their families understand their disease process but also to training future surgeons. There are a few people who have inspired me and really stand out in my life as role models. I hope to serve the same function for future generations. Dr. Berman is rated as a Distinguished 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 American Board Of Surgery.
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.