Experimental intestinal atresia: Motility and physiology

In this study the microbowel had significant impairment of smooth muscle function. This impairment contributes to the functional obstruction as a postanastomotic component that directly resists the passage of bowel contents. Furthermore, the noncontracting microbowel also has an indirect role by inhibiting the recovery of the dilated bowel. Poor intestinal function is still the source of morbidity and significant prolongation of hospital stay for atresia patients. Multiple surgical procedures have dealt with this problem; however, none has corrected the function of the microbowel. In future studies, either surgical or pharmacologic manipulations that improve the function of the microbowel may more quickly correct this problem.