[Ileus of the small intestine during the neonatal period. Treatment and prognosis].

During 13 years, 47 infants were treated for mechanical ileus resulting from intestinal obstruction located proximally to the coecum (duodenal obstruction, malrotation, jejuno-ileal obstruction and meconium ileus). The mortality and morbidity were low. A total of three infants died; all of them in the immediate postoperative period. One infant died on account of rupture of the anastomosis; in two infants, death was caused by pulmonary complications and disseminated intravasal coagulation. Seven reoperations were performed and among these five infants on account of adhesions-/fibrous band ileus. At follow-up examination five infants were slightly underweight and retarded in growth; only one child had troublesome gastrointestinal problems. We recommend the use of antenatal ultrasound in the 30th week of gestation more frequently and always when polyhydramnios is present. This should raise the suspicion of gastrointestinal obstruction. Postnatal screening for associated congenital anomalies should also be done, since these are the most frequent cause of death in this patient category.