Histochemical changes in intestinal atresia and its implications on surgical management: a preliminary report.

Histochemical studies of the intestine were performed on five neonates, three with intestinal atresia and two as normal controls. In this preliminary report, changes secondary to ischemia and obstruction were defined. It was shown that the ischemic changes were limited in extent both proximally and distally, and the obstructive changes were reversible. A conservative approach to resection in the management of intestinal atresia is suggested. Limited resection of the dilated proximal bowel together with the use of total parenteral nutrition will allow for a safe waiting period for the pathological changes to reverse themselves and effective peristalsis to return.