ABSTRACT
Duodenal obstruction may be diagnosed prenatally by fetal ultrasound or fetal magnetic resonance imaging. Neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction most often present with obvious symptoms on the first day of life. Trisomy 21, occurring in 25–40% of affected infants, and congenital heart disease must be suspected in all children with duodenal atresia. Rarely, duodenal atresia has occurred in association with esophageal atresia, hereditary multiple atresias, and developmental abnormalities of the bile ducts. The type and location of the atresia, as well as any pancreatic abnormality or the presence of a rare preduodenal portal vein are noted. Postoperative care consists primarily of supportive measures to provide nutrition while awaiting the return of intestinal function. Duodenal atony or paresis with a functional duodenal obstruction in the face of an anatomically patent anastomosis is a rare but frustrating problem.
