Expectations after surgery:

The defect can be corrected with surgery in most cases. How well the baby does depends on the amount of damage to the intestine.

Convalescence:

After surgery, the infant will stay in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The baby will be placed in special warmer to prevent infection. Antibiotics, pain medication, fluids given through a vein, and oxygen will be given. A breathing machine is often needed.

Feedings are started very slowly through the nasogastric tube as soon as the intestines start to work. Infants are often reluctant to feed. An infant who has had this surgery may need feeding therapy, lots of encouragement, and time to recover.