Congenital Colonic Atresia: 4 Case Reports

Introduction: Colonic atresia is a rare cause of neonatal bowel obstruction. Choosing between intestinal diversion and primary anastomosis for the management of this atresia is still discussed. Methods and results: We reviewed all cases of colonic atresia managed in our center between 2000 and 2012. We have recorded, summarized and analyzed clinical features, associated anomalies, location and type of atresia, management and outcome. We collected four cases of colonic atresia handled in our department during this period, one case of type I and three cases of type III according to the Grosfeld classification. Three of the cases had at least one-associated anomaly. Initial restoration of bowel continuity with a protective diversion was performed in one case, Delayed anastomosis following a primary intestinal diversion was performed in two cases, and primary anastomosis was performed in a one case. Death occurred in one case following a post-operative sepsis. Conclusion: Atresia of the colon is a rare etiology of the neonatal bowel obstruction. Colonic atresia can be associated with other congenital anomalies, which affect the prognosis. The prognosis of Colonic atresia in absence of other serious associations is good if proper management is carried out, with an overall mortality of 10%.