Transitory ileus of newborn

**Definition:** Transient intestinal obstruction of functional rather than anatomical origin which is not uncommon in the first few days of life. As surgery may be strongly contraindicated in this group, the differential diagnosis is extremely important.

**Long definition:** Transitory ileus is primarily associated with prematurity and unlike Hirschprung disease there are ganglion cells present though they are fewer in number than in the term newborn. It may be associated with constitpation and clinical and radiologic signs of intestinal obstruction.

**Exclusions:** - Hirschsprung disease