Idris B., 1

Idris Basiru is a 9-day-old infant, the third child in his family, living with his parents and siblings in a modest household in Malali. His father is a daily-paid labourer and his mother a housewife, and the family faces financial challenges despite being well-regarded in their community. Shortly after birth, he developed persistent vomiting through the mouth and nose, especially during feeding, and was unable to tolerate feeds. By the second day of life, he also developed jaundice and had not passed stool, raising serious concern. He was taken through multiple referrals before being admitted at our hospital. He was diagnosed with duodenal atresia complicated by neonatal sepsis and jaundice, a critical condition requiring urgent medical and surgical management.

The 9-day-old baby was admitted with duodenal atresia complicated by neonatal sepsis and had emergency surgery on 12/2/2026 to correct a single atretic segment in the proximal jejunum with markedly dilated stomach, apple peel deformity, and adhesive bands. After surgery he was resuscitated with blood transfusion, IV antibiotics, analgesics, fluids, and supplemental oxygen, and feeding via tube was started around day 6 while he also received phototherapy for neonatal jaundice for 5 days. His recovery was complicated by delayed gut motility, repeated lab monitoring, multiple blood transfusions, and apneic episodes that required ongoing support. Sadly, 11 days after the operation his condition suddenly worsened, and despite all resuscitation efforts he passed away in the early hours of 23/2/2026.

Duodenal atresia is a congenital obstruction of the intestine that prevents passage of feeds. When complicated by neonatal sepsis and jaundice, it becomes a critical condition, as infection and impaired liver function further compromise the newborn’s stability and increase the risk of rapid deterioration. With timely surgical correction of the obstruction and aggressive medical management of sepsis and jaundice, recovery is achievable. Prognosis is generally good with early intervention, but delays in treatment significantly increase the risk of severe complications or mortality.