Congenital obstruction of the alimentary tract

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<h2>Summary</h2> Eight cases of congenital obstruction of the alimentary tract are reported.<ul><li>1.Congenital esophageal atresia with communication between the upper segment of the esophagus and the trachea.</li><li>2.Congenital esophageal atresia with probable communication between the lower segment and the trachea.</li><li>3.Partial atresia of the esophagus with narrowing of the lower one-third. The characteristic symptoms of atresia of the esophagus are immediate regurgitation with almost the first mouthful, and constant dribbling of mucus. There may or may not be violent coughing after feeding, with cyanosis.</li><li>4.Case of partial atresia of distal end of duodenum. Duodenal obstruction is to be differentiated from pyloric stenosis. The presence of bile in the vomitus, and x-ray examination with barium feeding will aid in the diagnosis.</li><li>5.A successful operative result of congenital obstruction of the ileum.</li><li>6, 7.Incomplete and complete obstruction, respectively, of the colon.</li><li>8.Obstruction due to volvulus with symptoms immediately after birth.</li></ul> It is interesting to note that of the eight cases reported seven were males. The symptoms of congenital intestinal obstruction are characterized clinically by persistent vomiting, distention, constipation or mucous stools stained with blood, anuria, and progressive loss of weight. Although congenital obstruction is very rare, it should be kept in mind whenever a newborn baby vomits. It is obviously important to recognize these cases early because operative intervention is the only treatment, however unsuccessful the results may be, or have been in the past.