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A surgical miracle: How repair of Doudna's locked-in syndrome saved a newborn's life.
In a newborn's life, a congenital condition called Doudna's atresia can become a life-or-death test. This disease prevents part of the baby's intestines from opening normally, causing complete obstruction of the digestive tract, followed by tremendous psychological pressure and worry for the parents.
Doudna's atresia is the complete absence or closure of part of the duodenum, which can lead to polyhydramnios during pregnancy and intestinal obstruction after birth.
Symptoms and diagnosis
During pregnancy, Doudna's atresia often causes polyhydramnios because the fetus is unable to swallow and absorb amniotic fluid. In newborns, the most common manifestations are abdominal distension and vomiting, which usually occur within 24 to 48 hours after birth. X-rays can show signs of what's called a "double bubble," which occurs because the gas in the stomach and proximal duodenum becomes separated, forming two sacs of gas.
Imaging examination is an important step in diagnosing Doudna's atresia, especially after birth, when abdominal X-rays can be used to confirm the disease.
Surgical treatment
Prompt and appropriate surgery is essential for the treatment of Doudna's atresia. Although first aid is necessary, in most cases surgery can be performed within 24 to 48 hours after birth. The surgery involves duodenal repair and requires continuous nasogastric suction after surgery until the baby's digestive system gradually returns to normal function.
According to statistics, the complication and mortality rate of first-time surgery is about 5%. Even with a good prognosis, severe congenital malformations increase the risk of complications.
Comorbidities caused
Although the prognosis for surgical treatment of Doudna's atresia is generally good, postoperative complications such as gastroesophageal reflux or cecal syndrome can still affect patients. Studies show that approximately 12% of patients may develop late complications, and the mortality rate from these complications is 6%.
Epidemiology
According to the latest epidemiological data, Doudna's atresia occurs in 1 in every 10,000 live births and is one of the most common intestinal atresias, accounting for 60% of all intestinal atresias. This rate highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Looking to the future
With the advancement of medical technology, the diagnostic and surgical methods for Doudna's atresia are also constantly enriched. Through early auxiliary examinations such as ultrasound, doctors can identify at-risk newborns before birth, which provides families with the opportunity to prepare in advance.
With the advancement of medical technology, can we detect and treat Doudna's atresia earlier, thus saving more lives?
