Intestinal atresia is a malformation where there is a narrowing or absence of a portion of the intestine. This defect can either occur in the small or large intestine. It occurs most frequently in the (lower part of the small intestine known as the ileum. It may also occur in the part of the intestine that empties from the stomach, called the duodenum, or the jejunum (second part of the intestine extending from the duodenum to the ileum), or the large intestine (the colon). The cause of intestinal atresia is yet to be discovered.

Types of intestinal atresia

There are four types of intestinal atresia named after their location:

• Duodenal atresia - malformation of the duodenum,
• Jejunal atresia - malformation of the jejunum,
• Ileal atresia - malformation of the ileum,
• Colon atresia - malformation of the colon

Treatment

The intestinal atresia is cut out and a surgical formation of a passage (anastomosis) is performed. A colostomy may be needed in some cases.