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923 TAT Feeding in Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: A 12-Year Cohort Demonstrating Safer, Physiological Recovery

Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim To evaluate whether the use of trans-anastomotic tubes (TAT) during surgical repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) improves nutritional, clinical, and biochemical outcomes in neonates. Method A retrospective cohort of 53 infants undergoing CDO repair (2013–2024) compared outcomes with and without trans-anastomotic tube use. Primary endpoints were parenteral nutrition duration, feeding milestones, and length of stay. Secondary measures included liver biochemistry, central-line use, growth, complications, and cost. Growth analysis excluded infants with trisomy 21 and missing discharge weights (n = 42). Results TAT use rose from 19% to 64% across the study period. Infants with a TAT tended to come off parenteral nutrition earlier (3.5 vs 6.0 days), though not significantly so, and complication rates remained low and comparable between groups. Feeding progression was similar, with all infants reaching full oral feeds by around day 30 with TATs and day 38 without. Liver biochemistry followed expected postoperative patterns, with no signal of cholestasis or liver injury related to TAT use. Growth showed the clearest benefit: among infants without trisomy 21, the decline in weight-for-age z-score was significantly smaller with TAT feeding, supported by higher daily weight gain. Length of stay and total cost were similar, with no evidence that TAT use prolonged admission or increased resource use. Conclusions TAT feeding during CDO repair is safe and supports smoother postoperative recovery, with reduced PN dependence and attenuated early growth faltering, without increasing surgical, infectious, or hepatic morbidity.
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znag063.152
Language: English
Field: Nursing
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7167911048
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