About Intestinal Atresia
Key Highlights
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Corrects a life-threatening congenital defect, enabling normal digestion and nutrient absorption.Performed by specialized pediatric surgical gastroenterologists with expertise in neonatal care.Restores intestinal continuity, allowing for the initiation and progression of feeding.Prevents serious complications like bowel perforation, peritonitis, and sepsis.Essential for the long-term growth, development, and overall survival of the infant.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of intestinal atresia via prenatal ultrasound (showing dilated bowel loops or polyhydramnios) or postnatal imaging (X-ray showing the 'double bubble' sign for duodenal atresia).
- Newborn presenting with bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, and failure to pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours of life.
- Confirmed obstruction in the intestinal tract preventing the passage of food and digestive secretions.
How to prepare
- Immediate placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach and prevent vomiting/aspiration.
- Intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Administration of intravenous antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup, including abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, and sometimes a contrast enema.
- Stabilization of the infant's temperature, blood sugar, and overall condition in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Risks & possible complications
- Anastomotic leak (leakage from the surgical connection site).
- Post-operative infection, including peritonitis or sepsis.
- Formation of adhesions (scar tissue) that may cause future bowel obstruction.
- Short bowel syndrome, especially if a significant length of intestine is removed.
- Stricture (narrowing) at the surgical connection site.
- General risks of anesthesia and surgery in a newborn.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the NICU with close monitoring of vital signs, hydration, and surgical site.
- Continued IV nutrition (Total Parenteral Nutrition - TPN) until bowel function returns.
- Gradual introduction of feeds, starting with small amounts of specialized formula or breast milk, once bowel sounds are present and the NG tube output is minimal.
- Pain management with appropriate medications.
- Parents are taught stoma care if a temporary ostomy was created.
- Long-term follow-up with the surgical and gastroenterology team to monitor growth, nutrition, and bowel function.
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Typical hospital stay: 14-28 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months for full feeding establishment and growth
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intestinal atresia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intestinal atresia in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intestinal atresia. MediFyr helps you compare surgical gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intestinal atresia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 14-28 days | ~ Several weeks to months for full feeding establishment and growth | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 14-28 days | ~ Several weeks to months for full feeding establishment and growth | Know More |
Top hospitals for Intestinal Atresia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intestinal atresia.
Sarah Reddy, a 28-year-old software engineer,...
Sarah Reddy, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been struggling with unexplained abdominal pain and severe bloating for over a year, often missing work. After countless tests, a CT enterography revealed a stricture in her jejunum, diagnosed as intestinal atresia, a rare congenital condition that had gone undetected until adulthood. Her surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that the narrowed segment was causing a partial blockage, leading to her debilitating symptoms and risk of complete obstruction. He recommended a laparoscopic resection of the atresia segment with primary anastomosis to reconnect the healthy bowel. Sarah was terrified of surgery but desperate for relief. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. After a few days in the hospital on IV nutrition, she started a clear liquid diet. Within six weeks, her energy returned, and the chronic pain was gone. Emotionally, she transitioned from years of frustration and anxiety about an unknown illness to profound relief and optimism, finally feeling in control of her health and future.
Surgical Gastroenterologists for Intestinal Atresia
Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform intestinal atresia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 35 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 10 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 33 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
- 19 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 16 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 29 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 4 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Surgical Gastroenterologist