Untreated, these infants dehydrate and become critically ill very rapidly. Suggestion of duodenal atresia may be seen on routine ultrasound studies of the fetus. Suspected atresia may be diagnosed after birth with an X-ray . Surgery to fix of the duodenum is then performed. Following surgery, infants may have significant feeding and absorption problems.
Prevention is unknown.
Recovery from the duodenal atresia is expected after treatment. Untreated, the condition is fatal.