Intestinal Surgery in the Newborn—Atresias, Volvulus, and Everything Else

Disorders of the intestine that require surgery in the newborn may evolve from an array of congenital or functional disorders. These often present as complete or partial obstructions, which may result from intrinsic and extrinsic pathology. Findings such as bilious emesis, abdominal distention, or failure to pass meconium are signs of obstruction, and learning to quickly identify the location and underlying nature of these disorders is essential because conditions such as volvulus may require emergent surgery or others may instigate further workup for associated conditions. In addition, disorders of the abdominal wall present unique challenges in surgical and medical management. This chapter focuses on the more common indications for intestinal surgery in the newborn, specifically intestinal atresia, malrotation, meconium ileus, and duplication cysts as well as abdominal wall defects, gastroschisis, and omphalocele.