Background: In patients with intestinal atresia, associated congenital anomalies and prematurity are the main predictors of mortality in high-income countries (HIC). In low-and middle-income countries (LMIC), late referrals and lack of resources contribute to mortality. This study aims to describe the outcome of small bowel atresia at a tertiary institution in a LMIC.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was done on all neonates admitted with small bowel atresia from 1 January 2010 to 31 October 2016. Birth demographics, status on arrival, atresia type, surgical interventions and clinical course were analysed in relation to outcomes including mortality.
Results: The study included 92 patients. Thirty-three patients had duodenal atresia and 59 jejunal atresia. Median gestation was 34 weeks, with average birth weight 2.2 kg. Seven were diagnosed antenatally and 13 (14.1%) were born in a tertiary institution. A cardiac congenital anomaly was present in 43.5%. Late referrals comprised 72.8%. Sixty per cent were dehydrated and 55.4% were septic on arrival. The median age at surgery was 7.5 days after being admitted, for a median of 2 days. The median age reaching full feeds was 18 days, and 28.6% had a feeding intolerance. The median number of septic episodes were two and the median length of stay 28 days. Of the 92 patients, 8.7% were palliated and 10.9% died. Mortality was strongly associated with prematurity and sepsis with hospital stay.
Conclusion: Despite late referrals, our mortality was comparable to HICs. We overcame this burden due to access to resources, sophisticated equipment and a low surgical complication rate. The length of stay could be decreased with a feeding protocol and discharge goals.
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