Pathohistological changes in congenital intestinal atresia

Objective:To study pathohistological changes in congenital intestinal atresia as the reference of surigical resection.Methods:Sixteen cases of congenital intestinal atresia were studied.The specimens were taken from the resected intestinal segments proximal and distal to the atresia.The sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin,and examined under light microscope.Results:The submucosal plexus,myenteric plexus and ganglionic cells decreased in number at both ends of the atresia on the thickened intestinal wall.These changes extended 10 cm proximally and 2 cm distally from the blind end,and showed a tendency on the increase at the farther and of atresia.Conclusions:The above mentioned changes explain the postoperative intestinal disorders.The extent of intestinal resection is suggested.Total parenteral nutrition must be provided for the recovery of the effective intestinal function with a period of time after operation. Key words: Congenital intestinal atresia; Neural plexus; Ganglionic cells