Duodenal Atresia
and Duodenal Stenosis

A gastro-intestinal defect your baby could be born with is called duodenal atresia. It is actually pretty rare with about an 8% to 12% chance of occurring (in babies with Down syndrome). It’s also congenital, meaning born with it.

What is it?

It’s a pretty serious condition where the first part of the small intestine (called the duodenum) is blocked. No food or liquids can pass at all. Duodenal Stenosis is a partial blockage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Sometimes this can be diagnosed in utero on an ultrasound scan. If not diagnosed before birth, babies can appear well until they begin to eat. They vomit and the vomit includes bile, which is green in color. At this point, doctors can do an x-ray scan to determine the state of the small intestine.

Treatment consists of surgery. Under general anesthesia your baby’s small intestine will be repaired. Most likely your child will be tube-fed for a while until the intestines heal. Gradually they will be able to drink formula or breast milk as usual.

Things to Watch For

Duodenal Stenosis (partial blockage) can happen months or years after successful surgery, so it’s important to tell your child’s doctor if any symptoms occur, such as

• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Feeling like the stomach fills up quickly
• Excessive hunger
• Not gaining weight normally
• Swollen abdomen
• Pain

More Down syndrome symptoms

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