About Neonatal Bowel Obstruction
Key Highlights
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Managed by specialists in pediatric digestive and liver disorders for precise, age-appropriate care.Early intervention is critical to prevent severe complications like sepsis or intestinal damage.Utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging (like contrast studies and ultrasound) for accurate identification of the blockage's location and cause.Treatment plans are highly individualized, ranging from medical management to minimally invasive or open surgery.Focuses on restoring normal bowel function to support crucial early nutrition and development.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent bilious (green) vomiting shortly after birth.
- Failure to pass meconium (the first stool) within the first 24-48 hours of life.
- Abdominal distension (swelling) and tenderness.
- Feeding intolerance or refusal.
- Visible, hyperactive, or absent bowel sounds.
- Suspected congenital conditions like intestinal atresia, malrotation, volvulus, meconium ileus, or Hirschsprung's disease.
How to prepare
- Immediate stabilization, which may include intravenous (IV) fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube to decompress the stomach and prevent further vomiting.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup: abdominal X-rays, ultrasound, or contrast enema studies.
- Blood tests to assess for infection and metabolic status.
- Consultation with a pediatric surgeon if surgical intervention is anticipated.
- Informed consent discussion with parents/guardians detailing the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection or sepsis.
- Bleeding during or after a surgical procedure.
- Anesthesia-related risks in newborns.
- Leakage from surgical anastomosis (reconnection) sites.
- Formation of adhesions (scar tissue) leading to future blockages.
- Short bowel syndrome if a significant portion of the intestine must be removed.
- Recurrence of obstruction or need for additional procedures.
- Long-term issues with nutrient absorption and growth.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for close monitoring of vital signs and surgical sites.
- Gradual reintroduction of feeding, starting with IV nutrition (TPN) and advancing to small volumes of specialized formula or breast milk as tolerated.
- Pain management tailored for infants.
- Monitoring for signs of complications like fever, redness at incision sites, or feeding difficulties.
- Parents are educated on wound care (if applicable), feeding techniques, and signs that require immediate medical attention.
- Long-term follow-up with the Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist to monitor growth, nutrition, and bowel function.
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Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days
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Expected recovery time: Several weeks to months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering neonatal bowel obstruction in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric gastroenterology and hepatology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform neonatal bowel obstruction. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists 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 neonatal bowel obstruction compare across other countries where we have data.
Diya Ali is a 2-day-old newborn,...
Diya Ali is a 2-day-old newborn, the first child of young parents who immigrated from Pakistan. She was born full-term via normal delivery but failed to pass meconium within the first 24 hours. She began vomiting greenish fluid and her abdomen became visibly distended and firm. A pediatrician was concerned and ordered an X-ray, which showed signs of a distal bowel obstruction. The pediatric gastroenterologist recommended an urgent lower gastrointestinal contrast enema, both as a diagnostic tool and a potential treatment. The procedure confirmed a diagnosis of meconium plug syndrome. The contrast helped to dislodge the thick, sticky meconium. Post-procedure, Diya passed a large meconium plug and her vomiting ceased. Within 48 hours, she was feeding well and her abdomen was soft. Her parents were terrified, feeling isolated and fearing a serious congenital issue. The relief was immense when the procedure was both diagnostic and curative, allowing them to finally bond with their daughter without fear.
Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologists for Neonatal Bowel Obstruction
Explore experienced pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologists who regularly perform neonatal bowel obstruction and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore