Congenital Colonic Stenosis

Abstract

The colon is the least common site of congenital intestinal stenosis and atresia and accounts for 5-15 % of all of these abnormalities. We present the case of a 2-month-old boy who presented vomiting, constipation, weakness, and abdominal distension. Contrast enema and colonoscopy revealed an abrupt change in caliber in the sigmoid colon and, after ruling out other disorders, a diagnosis of colonic stenosis was made. Laparoscopy under total anesthesia was performed and a stenotic area in the sigmoid colon and proximal dilatation were identified. A small incision was made and the stenotic segment was removed. Video-assisted resection and end-to-end anastomosis were performed and the child made and uneventful postoperative recovery. Contrast enema after surgery showed good anastomosis and normal bowel diameter. At the age of 18 months the patient is asymptomatic and his stools are normal. With laparoscopy, visualization of the abdominal cavity was magnified and detailed, the affected intestinal segment was easily identified and other diseases were ruled out. Recovery was rapid and the functional and esthetic results were excellent.