ABSTRACT
Duodenal atresia is the congenital absence or closure of a portion of the duodenum. Around one-third of babies with duodenal atresia have trisomy 21 (Down’s syndrome). Affected babies present at birth with bilestained vomiting and abdominal distension. Diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of a double-bubble sign on the abdominal X-ray. This represents the presence of air in the stomach and proximal duodenum only, and not in the distal intestines. Treatment is by duodeno-duodenostomy.
