Intestinal Obstruction in the Newborn with Special Reference to Transient Functional Ileus Associated with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Twenty-four babies had intestinal obstruction at birth or in the first week of life among 4754 consecutive births. Anatomical and functional abnormalities contributed equally to the total. The etiological classification of functional intestinal obstruction is presented. The relation between transient functional ileus and respiratory distress syndrome is discussed. The differentiation between anatomical and functional types of obstruction is discussed and its importance in relation to management is stressed.