ABSTRACT
Jejunoileal atresia, defined as a congenital defect of intestinal luminal continuity, is a common cause of obstruction in the newborn. The management of jejunoileal atresia has been one of the great success stories of pediatric surgery of the 20th century. The incidence of jejunoileal atresia varies from 1 in 1500 to 1 in 3000 live births. The etiology of some familial multiple atresia syndromes may be due to genetic mutations and are associated with immune deficiency syndromes. The classification of intestinal atresia is well established and covers a spectrum from a mild stenosis to multiple atresias resulting in significant short bowel. The most proximal atresia or stenosis determines whether it is classified as jejunal or ileal. Multiple atresias may be localized to a short segment of intestine, and resection of several atretic segments with one anastomosis is preferred if sufficient intestinal length remains.
