A Pilot Study on Histopathology of the Jejunoileal Atresia—Can it Be Used as a Guide to Determine the Length of Adequate Resection?

INTRODUCTION: Some studies reported that there is abnormality in the histopathology of atretic bowel in jejunoileal atresia (JIA). We have made an attempt to assess sequential histopathologic changes in the resected atretic segment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histopathology of the resected segment was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 cm from atretic end (Sections A to F, respectively). The ratio of inner and outer muscle layer (measured by NIS-Element D software) was calculated at every section. Immunohistochemistry for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was also done. The findings were compared with control. RESULTS: In control set (n = 5), the ratio of inner and outer muscle layer was 1.03. In patients with JIA, the ratio was 0.68 to 0.9 at section A. This ratio varied at various sections in all specimens. In section F, this ratio was 0.95 to 1.09, which is close to control ratio. There were no specific findings related to α-SMA staining. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the bowel proximal to the atresia is abnormal for a varied length. It may be a possibility that this abnormality is present at least up to about 10 cm proximal to atresia. Adequate resection is important for optimal outcome.