Intestinal Atresia Repair
Introduction
Intestinal Atresia Repair is a congenital obstruction in which at least a portion of the bowel is absent or obstructed so that normal digestion and absorption of nutrients are not possible. This disease needs immediate surgical treatment because it may lead to serious complications such as malnutrition, bowel obstruction, and life-threatening infection. Detailed data on the procedure of bowel atresia repair is presented in this article which encompasses the procedure, benefits, cost and recovery.
What is Intestinal Atresia Repair?
Repair of intestinal atresia is a neonatal surgery procedure in which an atretic (shortened, obstructed) segment of the owl is excised. The surgical operation is carried out by excising the lesioned segment, joining healthy ends, and thus restoring normal bowel function. The procedure is critical to guarantee quality digestion and avoid problems later on.
Why is Bowel Atresia Surgery Needed?
Repair because of intestinal atresia can lead to:
- Bowel Obstruction: Preventing the passage of food and waste
- Malnutrition: Due to improper nutrient absorption
- Intestinal Perforation: This can lead to peritonitis (a severe abdominal infection)
- Failure to Thrive: Inadequate growth and development
Newborn infants with intestinal atresia have a poor prognosis if left untreated.
Types of Intestinal Atresia
Intestinal atresia has also been classified into various subtypes based on the location and severity of the obstruction:
- Duodenal Atresia: Intussusception of the duodenum (beginning of the small bowel).
- Jejunoileal Atresia: Obstruction of the jejunum or ileum (in the middle and the end of the small bowel).
- Colonic Atresia: Blockage in the colon (large intestine)
- Multiple Atresias: Occurrence of atresia at multiple sites in the intestine
Procedure Steps for Intestinal Atresia Repair
The surgery typically follows these steps:
- Preoperative Evaluation: Doctors use imaging studies (X-ray, ultrasound) to confirm the diagnosis and to identify blockage.
- Anesthesia Administration: The medical team places the baby under general anesthesia.
- Surgical Removal of Blocked Segment: Surgeons make an abdominal incision and resect the atretic segment.
- Reconnection of Healthy Ends (Anastomosis): The surgical team stitches together the remaining parts of the intestine.
- Closure and Monitoring: The repair of the incision and the infant are under strict observation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to recover.
Benefits of Intestinal Atresia Repair
- Restores Normal Digestion: Allows the baby to absorb nutrients properly.
- Prevents Life-Threatening Complications: Reduces risks of infection and bowel obstruction.
- Improves Quality of Life: Enables normal growth and development.
- Reduces Long-Term Health Issues: Most infants can lead healthy lives with successful surgery.
Cost of Intestinal Atresia Repair
- India: $4,500 to $7,500
- United States: $30,000 to $50,000.
Best Hospitals in India for Intestinal Atresia Repair
Several leading hospitals in India are equipped for pediatric surgery and, in particular, Bowel atresia surgery. Some of the best options include:
- Metro Hospital, Faridabad.
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
- Medanta: The Medicity, Gurgaon
Risks and Complications of Intestinal Atresia Repair
While the surgery is generally successful, potential risks include:
- Infection: Post-surgical infections may require antibiotics.
- Anastomotic Leakage: The reconnected intestine may leak, requiring further surgery.
- Intestinal Strictures: Narrowing of the intestine at the surgery site.
- Feeding Difficulties: Some babies may have temporary feeding problems postsurgery.
Recovery from Bowel Atresia Surgery
- Initial Recovery: Babies remain in the NICU for close monitoring.
- Feeding Introduction: Slow initial reintroduction of feeding, using intravenous feeding and subsequently, oral feeding, is started.
- Hospital Stay: Typically lasts 2-4 weeks, depending on the baby’s recovery.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ups ensure proper growth and digestion.
