Colonic Atresia

Colonic atresia is a digestive disorders that occurs during embryonic development in which the normal tubular shape of the colon in the fetus is unexpectedly closed. This may be caused by incomplete development of the colon. Sometimes, the loss of blood flow during its development may also cause this condition. Colonic atresia is rare and may occur with the more common small bowel atresia.

Infants with colonic atresia have no bowel movements, increasing abdominal distention, and vomiting. X rays will reveal a dilated colon above the obstruction, which can then be located using a barium enema.

Treatment involves surgery, which is necessary to open or remove the closed area and re-connect the normal sections of the colon.

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Topics:

A. Anatomy of the Colon
B. Anatomic Problems of the Colon

1. Malrotation and Volvulus
2. Small Bowel and Colonic Intussusception
3. Fistulas
4. Colonic Atresia
5. Sigmoid Volvulus
6. Cecal Volvulus
7. Imperforate Anus (Anal Atresia)

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Information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 05–5120, February 2005. Downloaded December 7, 2007 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/anatomiccolon/index.htm

Page Last Revised: July 21, 2008