Correlation analysis of feeding intolerance and defecation after primary anastomosis for neonatal intestinal atresia

Pediatr Surg Int. 2023 Dec 22;40(1):26. doi: 10.1007/s00383-023-05603-x.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between postoperative feeding intolerance and defecation, with a view to carrying out prognostic assessment and timely intervention for the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.

Methods: The 114 neonates with congenital intestinal atresia who underwent primary anastomosis admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022 were studied, and the patients' basic information, intraoperative conditions, postoperative feeding and defecation, and hospitalization time were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The risk factors for feeding intolerance after primary anastomosis for intestinal atresia are the gestational days, the time of the first postoperative defecations, the number of defecations on the previous day and the average number of defecations before feeding.

Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative feeding intolerance is higher in preterm infants, and pediatricians can decide the timing of breastfeeding on the basis of the patients' defecation. The focus on accurate defecation may be more meaningful in determining and predicting postoperative feeding intolerance in the infants.

Keywords: Congenital intestinal atresia; Defecation; Neonates; Postoperative feeding intolerance.

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Defecation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases*
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intestinal Atresia* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies