Jejuno-ileal atresia: evaluation of the efficacy of laparoscopic approach

Abstract

Jejuno-ileal atresia is a main cause of neonatal intestinal obstructions, and minimal access technique is gaining popularity. Aim of this study was to perform systematic review of laparoscopic approach with regards its management efficacy. Pubmed® was searched using terms ‘jejunal’, ‘jejuno-intestinal atresia’, ‘laparoscopic’ or ‘laparoscopic-assisted’. Data collected included gender, age, weight, comorbidities, surgical technique, duration of surgery, complications, reoperation, mortality, parenteral feeding time. 5 articles (2004–2020) met the inclusion criteria with 63 neonates. Mean weight was 2.6 kg. There were n = 16 comorbidities: cardiac anomalies (n = 5), Meckel’s diverticulum (n = 2), meconium peritonitis (n = 4), unknown (n = 5). All patients had laparoscopic-assisted surgery, out of which n = 25 were single-port approach. Conversion was reported in n = 4 cases due to meconium ileus (n = 2), or significantly dilated bowel (n = 2). There were n = 7 complications (n = 1 sepsis, n = 2 anastomotic leaks, n = 1 cholestasis, n = 3 adhesive ileus). Two reoperations were necessary because of anastomotic dehiscence (n = 1) and adhesive ileus (n = 1). Mean parenteral feeding time was 13 days. There were three lethal outcomes, due to sepsis after anastomotic leak (n = 1), severe cardiac defect (n = 1), pneumonia and adhesive ileus (n = 1). Laparoscopic-assisted is opted for jejuno-ileal atresia when minimal access approach is preferred. It is fast and feasible technique, which offers better cosmesis, may result shorter length of operation and recovery. There is > 10% complication rate, which rarely require reoperation. Limitation of this approach are low weight babies with associated anomalies, or significantly dilated proximal bowels. These remain the main concern for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, which require open approach or conversion.