Protocol for the nonoperative treatment of obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma during childhood

Abstract

A prospective plan for the nonoperative treatment of obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma was developed to (1) promptly establish the diagnosis and rule out transmural leaks by obtaining a contrast roentgenogram on admission and to subsequently study evolution of the obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma with sequential roentgenograms at 5 to 7 day intervals; (2) identify associated pancreatic injury with ultrasonography and serum amylase and lipase determinations; and (3) to determine effectiveness of nasogastric suction and total patenteral nutrition. Twelve children, who ranged in age from 2 to 15 years, with obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma following blunt injury were admitted over the past 9 years. The two youngest were battered children and two others had subsequently diagnosed clotting disorders (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and von Willebrand's disease). Significant resolution of the obstruction allowed resumption of oral intake by the end of the first week of treatment in eight patients, whereas the remaining four required 13, 14, 22, and 38 days of nasogastric suction and total parenteral nutrition. Residual deformity seen on roentgenograms did not interfere with achieving adequate oral nutrition. Excellent results in this series substantiate the conclusion that a management plan that assesses the evolution of an obstructing intramural duodenal hematoma and provides adequate nutrition is a successful alternative to surgical treatment. The presence of underlying hematologic disorders and child abuse must be suspected.