Eleven cases of colonic atresia presenting in a 13-year period are described. The incidence of this condition is estimated at 1 per 66,000 live births in the north-west of England. A higher incidence of involvement of the transverse colon has been noted in comparison with previously reported cases. Survival was unaffected by the type of surgical procedure, with both primary anastomosis after resection or staged reconstruction after initial colostomy giving excellent results. No deaths occurred in the ten patients subjected to surgical treatment.