Presentation and outcome of treatment of jejunoileal atresia in Nigeria

Background: Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction. Previous reports from Nigeria have indicated a high mortality rate. This is a report of current outcome review from one tertiary center. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of infants managed for jejunoileal atresia in 10 years (2005–2014). The information retrieved from patients' records was analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: There were 38 patients (19 boys and 19 girls) aged 1–28 days (median 4 days). Twenty-four patients (63.2%) presented after 48 h of life. Twenty-five (65.8%) had jejunal atresia and 13 (34.2%) had ileal atresia. Six patients had associated anomalies. The most common atresia was type III (39.5%, 15 patients). Twenty-eight (73.7%) patients had a resection of the atresia and anastomosis and others had enterostomies. Total parenteral nutrition and neonatal intensive care support were not available during the period of the study. Bowel function was established within 1 week and 27 (71.1%) patients commenced oral feeding. Twenty-six (68.4%) patients had postoperative complications resulting in prolonged hospital stay of 2–44 days (median = 13). Mortality was 34.2% (13 patients). Factors that significantly affected mortality were intestinal necrosis at presentation, postoperative complications, and severe malnutrition. Conclusion: Intestinal atresia is still associated with unacceptably high morbidity and mortality, due to late presentation, and lack neonatal intensive care services and parenteral nutritional support. Efforts need to be intensified to address these factors to improve outcome.