Duodenal Atresia

My wife is 27 years old and she is 29 weeks pregnant. This eveving when scanning was done, it was found that the baby had duodenal Atresia, we are planning for extensive tests for further compications. Now, Iam not able to understand what to do. Please advise me what can be done at this stage.

[Lisadengel]

Unfortunately, I don't know what that is...I am sorry.  So I definitely can't tell you what to expect.  But I wanted to tell you that I hope everything works out okay.

Lisa

[Still_AndiJ]

I went looking around the internet and found a really great website for you to check out. It has a lot of information.

http://www.1uphealth.com/health/duodenal_atresia_info.html

Basically what it says is that the duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine that connects to the stomach) is either partially blocked or stenosed (narrowed). From what I have read, it appears they can do surgery to correct it.

The good news is that they know about it and can take steps to fix it right away. My prayers are with your family, take care of each other and if you ever need and ear to bend, we are all here for you.


God Bless,

Andrea

[N1]

I was born in 1972 with duodenal atresia.  I was treated with surgery within 3 days of birth. I had no major problems (but was admitted to hospital with abdominal pains at ages 7 and 14) until age 21. Adhesions from the scar tissue from the original surgery caused the intestines to twist and a 30cm section 'died'. This section was removed and I recovered quite quickly.  Overall this condition has not effected my quality of life to any great extent.

I thought you might like to know that this condition was fairly easily managed in my case.

Good Luck.

[lclee]

Thanks for explaining duodenal atresia.  I know that duodenal stenosis is partial blockage and is also fixed soon after birth.  Do you know if these both conditions result in scar tissue forming?

[motherpeg]

how long after episodes with abdominal pain did you have to have surgery for the 30cm section that died.  Did it have anything to do with scar tissue.  Any problems after this.

[tomwit]

My wife and I were told that our baby was suffering from dueodenal atresia at 36 weeks.  My wife suffer from polyhydramnimois as a result. Her next week of the pregnancy was filled with fear and uncomfortable situations. She was induced at 37 weeks and little Isabel was born (5 lb 8 oz) She had her surgery and spent 2 weeks in NICU before she came home to us. We heard all the horror stories about multiple complications but it does not need to happen to you. You may be fotunate. We are happy and healthy and expect nothing but the best. If you are a soon-to-be parent with this condition and want to know anything about it please e-mail me at ***@****.

Tom

[jenstam]

My son had the same problem with an intestinal atresia and my water broke 5 1/2 weeks early as a result. However, we did not know about it before he was born. He had surgery, weighed 5 lbs 7 oz and spent 3 weeks in the NICU. He is a lovely, healthy baby now, at nearly 4 months old. I would love to share experiences with you. Message me here on this site and we can chat if you would like. You would have to create a profile.

[megnryan]

I am currently almost 34 weeks and my baby was just diagnosed with duodenal atresia and I am also suffering from uncomfortable polyhydramnious. The doctor we met with last night talked to us about the increased risk for Down's Syndrome with this condition as well as other complications (e.g. tracheal atresia) and needless to say, my husband and I are very scared and devastated to learn this. I was relieved to find this forum and wondered if tomwit and jenshim are able to share any other news/advice to us as we wait nervously for the day I go into labor. Were you given statistics or what your chances for coexisting conditions like Down's were? Any words of comfort would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
meg

[jenstam]

I bet the rib pain and feeling that you're going to POP is excruciating right now! I went through this and I sincerely feel for you!! I sent you a PM in response to yours. Let me know if you have any specific questions. GOOD LUCK and you are all in my thoughts and prayers!!

[Jen159]

Hi, my sister is 20 weeks pregnant and undergoing addition tests because they suspect duodenal atresia. As i'm sure you know the feeling, we are very nervous and confused. we have never heard of this and now the doctors are telling us all the percentages of the baby having Downs Syndrome and other complications. She has to go for her amnio tomorrow but any information you can provide me would be such a help.

[jenstam]

Please message me and I can give you info.

[Leeniesul]

My son was born with duodenal atresia. He also was born with tracheoesophageal atresia and esophageal atresia and a hypoplastic aorta with coarctation. Despite all this he is the cutest sweetest child ever! He is the most amazing boy in the world! (Ok, not biased :)

It is scary not knowing what is to come for your child with surgeries etc. But with today's medicine they do amazing work. My son had open heart surgery when he weighed 3lb 15 oz. -talk about tiny.

Duodenal atresia doesn't mean that there will be any other issues  but the doctors have a responsibility to tell you all of the possibilities- even though it makes for a very scary pregnancy.

Feel free to get in touch and ask any questions you might have. (you can also chek out our blog page for info and photos of my son www.thedremanns.blogspot.com

[jakoky]

hi there, my little miracle girl will be turning 13 in 2 weeks...they told us at 20 weeks she had something "wrong" with her bowel....they named the possibilities of downs and cystic fibrosis..the next 13 weeks were emotionally hard...at 33 weeks, her bowel was close to bursting and my labour was induced...she was born at huge 5 lbs 11 oz but very sick...not only was her bowel and stomach not connected, she had 3-4 atresias throughout and a web(layer of skin) at the bottom of her small bowel...she had to undergo 3 major surgeries in her first 4 weeks, in which they removed 1/3 of her stomach, joined the tummy and bowel, repaired all the atresias, plus removed the web...they also removed an area of bowel that became infected with e-coli...she battled all of this plus many preemie issues, and through prayer and the amazing docs at vancouvers childrens hospital, we brought her home well on her due date...she turns 13 soon, and is the picture of health..she has her many scars to remind us of her battles, and does have some stomach aches, but she is perfectly healthy...i wish u well..