ABSTRACT
In 1952, Louw suggested that most jejunoileal atresias were probably due to a vascular accident rather than being
the result of inadequate recanalization, as had previously been commonly accepted. At his instigation, Barnard perfected an experimental model in pregnant mongrel bitches and reproduced all types of atresia found in humans. This not only confirmed Louw’s hypothesis, but also provided the opportunity to improve the technical aspects of corrective surgery, which involved resection of the dilated proximal blind-ending bowel and primary endto-end anastomosis.
