Intestinal Atresia Treatment with Clement Procedure for Child Well Being

Intestinal atresia is a congenital defect in babies in which the newborn fails to develop the intestine properly. Rather than running as a single open tube from top to bottom, this malformation results in a bowel obstruction or narrowing at one or multiple points. Consequently, the food or liquid can’t pass through the bowels, which may lead to severe malnutrition in the infant. The condition may worsen only if you don’t get the best treatment for Intestinal Atresia in Pakistan. You don’t need to worry when the highly qualified skilled pediatrician at ALSA Pakistan is always on the go to help you.

What causes intestinal atresia in Paeds?

As mentioned above, intestinal atresia is a birth defect. Hence, there are known specific answers to what causes intestinal atresia. However, the medical research studies confer that the condition may develop due low to interruption of blood flow to the baby’s intestines during the gestation period. Furthermore, it is also believed that some atresia types may have genetic links. Therefore, it indicates that the fetus may be at risk of having the defect if the mother and father have had atresia.

Symptoms of Intestinal atresia in newborns

Being a congenital condition, atresia can be detected during gestation via ultrasound. In addition, excessive amniotic fluid may indicate the disease because the baby cannot intake average amounts of the amniotic fluid during the period. Hence, it enables the paediatrician to plan the treatment for intestinal atresia.

However, after the birth, atresia can be indicated if one or more of the following symptoms occur

  • Swollen and firm abdomen
  • Bad appetite
  • Significantly less or no urination, which is mainly due to fluid loss
  • Irregular bowel movements
  • Pale colouration

Types of intestinal atresia

The following types of intestinal atresia are classified based on the obstruction’s location or the bowel’s narrowing.

1:

Pyloric atresia is the obstruction at the point of connection of the stomach with the small intestine.

2:

Duodenal atresia is the atresia in the first portion of the small intestine.

3:

Jejunoileal atresia refers to the atresia in the middle point of the small intestine.

4:

Colonic atresia is the atresia of large intestine.

Diagnosis for intestinal atresia treatment

Prenatal atresia diagnosis is possible during the third trimester of the gestation period via prenatal ultrasound or fetal MRI. In addition, visualizing the bowel is feasible during the third trimester of gestation. Furthermore, some of the common indicators of atresia include the following. 

  • Dilated bowel
  • Double Bubble
  • Polyhydramnios

However, observing the symptoms of intestinal atresia in newborns as mentioned above, our expert paediatricians conduct a careful, meticulous diagnosis via the

  • Abdominal X-ray of the child
  • Fetal echocardiogram for the examination of the child’s heart 
  • Fetal MRI
  • High-resolution fetal ultrasonography
  • Contrast study in the lower GI tract for the identification of the area of the obstruction

Intestinal atresia treatment

After the confirmation of the diagnosis, the expert physicians and surgeons experienced in intestinal atresia treatment facilitate the baby’s food intake and disposal ability. In case of other complications, we are always open to adopting a multidisciplinary approach for your child’s well-being. If necessary during the pregnancy, the physicians may also go for amnioreduction (removal of excess amniotic fluid).

There are significant chances of vaginal delivery for the baby suffering from atresia. As soon as the baby is born, the expert physicians at ALSA Pakistan stabilize the baby and insert a tube (nasogastric tube) inside the baby’s stomach via the nose and mouth. The tube empties the abdomen and is free of gas. The baby is fed through an intravenous line into a vein.

Intestinal atresia surgery
The ultimate treatment for intestinal atresia is surgery which is done after two to three days of birth. Our astral Dr Muhammad Mohsin removes the blockage and repairs the obstructed intestine by joining both ends together. However, the surgery type depends upon the type of intestinal atresia. For example, the surgery may be of the following kind.

  • Open surgery 
  • Laparoscopic surgery

After the surgery, the paediatricians give the baby pain killers and antibiotics via an IV tube. Indeed, laparoscopic surgery makes the best choice primarily when ALSA Pakistan facilitates you with the best laparoscopic surgeon for the treatment for intestinal atresia. Not only do we promise you the best medical care but the state-of-the-art facility and the best post-operative care for your bundle of joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intestinal atresia curable?

Intestinal atresia is a rare birth defect in which the intestine is obstructed for bowel movement from more than one point. Yes, it is completely curable.

What happens if it is not treated timely?

You must get intestinal atresia treatment for your baby at the right time. Otherwise, the condition may get worse or lead to severe malnutrition.

How is the surgery carried out at ALSA Pakistan?

Surgery could be open or laparoscopic, depending on the severity of the condition. However, during the surgery, Dr Mohsin, a pediatric surgeon at ALSA, removes the blockage from the intestines and connects the healthy parts. The baby is given painkillers and antibiotics via an IV tube.

What is the exact cause of the disease?

The exact of the disease is unknown. However, it is still believed that it may be due to improper blood flow to the baby during pregnancy.

What is the intestinal atresia treatment strategy?

The ultimate treatment for intestinal atresia is laparoscopic surgery which is highly recommended after 2-3 days of childbirth.