Delayed presentation of type I colonic atresia

Abstract

Colonic atresia is a rare cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction which is usually diagnosed and corrected during the neonatal period. An even rarer entity is isolated intraluminal membrane causing partial obstruction which is usually suspected antenatally or diagnosed early postnatal with a contrast enema. However, there is no consensus regarding operative management for these cases described in literature. We present a three-month male with a rare subtype of colonic atresia presented repeatedly with ambiguous symptoms. Exclusion of associated Hirschsprung's disease and primary anastomosis was performed. It was safe to perform primary colonic anastomosis in our delayed presentation case. Patient showed complete resolution of symptoms and thrived well after surgery.

Keywords

• Colonic atresia
• Delayed presentation
• Failure to thrive