[Neonatal primary chronic adynamic bowel (author's transl)].

Three cases of a primary disorder of intestinal motility which was responsible for neonatal functional intestinal obstruction are reported. This serious condition affected the small intestine and the colon and was difficult to treat. Early operation and prolonged intravenous alimentation was necessary. It is distinct from Hirschsprung's disease because of the presence of ganglion cells and because of the abnormalities of the myenteric plexus on silver staining. However the clinical symptoms and the decreased intraparietal cell V.I.P. concentration in pathological areas are similar in both conditions.