How is duodenal atresia treated?

How is duodenal atresia treated?

Duodenal atresia is repaired with surgery, but it is not an emergency. Evaluation for associated conditions is important to optimize the timing of repair. Most babies born with duodenal atresia will receive surgery within two to three days of birth. Some babies may need other problems addressed before their duodenal atresia.

Before surgery, babies with the condition cannot breastfeed or bottle-feed. Instead, they need parenteral nutrition (getting food through an IV or directly to the stomach). These babies will also have a tube placed into their stomach through either their nose or mouth to remove air and fluid that build up from the obstruction.