Colonic atresia is a congenital abnormality of the colon in which it is completely obstructed or absent. Infants born with colonic atresia may also have other birth defects, such as defects of the abdominal wall (gastroschisis), Hirschsprung’s disease (bowel nerve dysfunction), or bowel malrotation (failure of intestines to rotate in place after birth).

Symptoms of colonic atresia include intestinal blockage combined with a greatly enlarged bowel, visible abdominal bloating, absence of passing any stool, vomiting bile, dehydration, perforated intestine, infection, and sepsis.

Treatment for colonic atresia involves surgery to remove the blocked part of the colon and attaching the healthy ends of the colon together. Some infants may also need a temporary colostomy (hole in abdomen through which to pass stool).