Chronic duodenal obstruction in isolated malrotation of the duodenum in a 17-year-old girl

Abstract

Complications of intestinal malrotation commonly manifest in the first months of life. However, cases of diagnosis in later age, including in adults, have been described. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and a significant amount of time often passes before the accurate diagnosis is made. This study presents a clinical case of a 17-year-old girl with chronic duodenal obstruction caused by isolated malrotation and fixation of the duodenum. Considering the patient’s comorbidities and developmental disorders, the diagnostic search was significantly challenging. In this situation, surgery involves mobilization of the duodenum and correction of the pathological fixation. However, considering the significant changes in the duodenal wall and the combined pathology, duodenojejunostomy was performed. Despite the additional surgical intervention, the postoperative period was characterized by prolonged gastric–duodenal stasis. Adequate diet, frequent feeding with a mixture, maximal “verticalization,” and activation of the patient played a key role in alleviating anastomositis and motor disturbances after the operation. Thus, using a strictly individualized approach to treat adolescents with a complex of surgical and therapeutic pathology and psychiatric disorders results in a satisfactory treatment outcome.