Congenital colonic stenosis in a term newborn, a case report and literature review

Colonic stenosis is a rare anomaly and a type of colonic atresia. The most frequent clinical manifestations are chronic constipation and obstructive episodes in newborn or infant. Contrast enema helps to establish primary diagnosis. The colonic stenosis was characterized by dilated proximal intestine and a narrow transitional zone. It is diagnosed during laparotomy and needs to be differentiated from several colonic obstructive disease. We share this case and review of contemporary management. A term female infant, with progressive abdominal distention, vomited after feeding and defecated colorless mucous. A retrograde contrast enema revealed small caliber of the rectum and marked distention of the proximal colon. Laparotomy revealed isolated stenosis in sigmoid colon. After segmental resection and primary anastomosis, an uneventful postoperative course was followed. The child has remained symptom-free at subsequent follow-up. Differential diagnoses in a neonatal intestinal obstruction is well reviewed in literature. Roentgenogram combine with contrast enema is compatible in both tentative diagnosis and initial treatment. Although these may subside spontaneously, most of the diagnostic delay are associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. Colonic stenosis is generally treated by surgical resection as reported in this case. And, as improvement in colorectal surgery, up-to-dated management of colonic atresia and stenosis yielded less morbidity and mortality. We collected pathological description in articles of congenital colonic stenosis and made a comparative table.