Intrinsic Duodenal Obstruction Research Articles

Duodenal Stenosis: A Case Report

Background: Congenital duodenal stenosis in pediatric patients was often underreported due to its non-conspicuous signs and symptoms. Diagnosing duodenal stenosis is often challenging as this disease causes partial intestinal obstruction and thus presents with more indolent and atypical clinical manifestations. This case report aims to describe the atypical case of pediatric duodenal stenosis which presented with recurrent vomiting and poor weight gain as well as highlight some of the diagnostic challenges.
 Case: A 7-month-old girl was admitted to the emergency room with chief complaint of recurrent vomiting in the last 2 days prior to hospital admission. Patient had a history of recurrent bilious vomiting at the age of 3 days old with a frequency of 3-4 times a day and were admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks. Parents also reported of poor weight gain in the last 3 months. Abdominal X-Ray series showed dilatation of the small intestines immediately after pylorus and stack of coins sign. Esophageal endoscopic evaluation showed signs of severe GERD with a pyloric gap as well as a suspicion of a duodenal web
 Discussion: Congenital obstruction at the duodenum may occurs due to intrinsic or extrinsic etiology. Failure of duodenal re-canalization during the 8-10th week of embryological development is thought to be the main cause of intrinsic duodenal obstruction (atresia, stenosis or duodenal web). The appearance of clinical manifestation of duodenal stenosis depends on the degree of stenosis itself.
 Conclusion: Congenital duodenal stenosis may present with atypical presentations in neonates which requires clinicians to be fully aware of this diagnosis to ensure timely therapy. The main management of duodenal stenosis is surgery, however fluid administration, decompressing as well as other supportive treatment are equally crucial to ensure better outcome for the patient.

Congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction: Clinical study and predictors of neonatal surgical mortality

Background: This study was aimed to analyze the clinical profile and the predictors of neonatal surgical mortality of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction (CIDO). Methods: This is a case series of 67 patients with CIDO (duodenal atresia and stenosis) admitted at our teaching institute, from October 2018 to June 2020. The demographic data, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, location & type of duodenal atresia, the operative procedure performed, and neonatal surgical mortality (NSM) predictors such as birth weight, age on presentation, associated anomalies, duration of surgery, extubation after surgery, sepsis, and vasopressors support were analyzed. Results: Of 67 patients, 40(60%) were premature; mean weight and age at presentation were 2.06±0.6 (1-8 kg) and 6.7(1-240days), respectively. The majority of patients (59, 88%) presented with vomiting, and the most common finding on the x-ray abdomen was a double bubble sign (54, 81%). Twenty-four (36%) were associated with congenital heart disease and 19(28%) had Down’s syndrome. Type 3 duodenal atresia was the commonest finding in 43(64%) followed by type 1 in 22 (33%), and type 2 in 2(3%). In 49 (73%) Kimura’s duodenoduodenostomy, excision of web & duodenoplasty in 13 (19%), and side to side duodenoduodenostomy in 4 (6%), were performed. The mean hospital stay of survivors was 9 days. Overall survival was 63%. Conclusion: Type 3 duodenal atresia is the commonest variety observed. The prematurity, low birth weight, associated major congenital anomalies, surgery >90 minutes, delayed extubation after surgery, sepsis, and need for vasopressors support are significant predictors of NSM.

Malrotation with Isomerism: Laparoscopic Ladd Procedure

Introduction: Isomerism is a rare congenital condition in which one side of the body is a mirror image of the opposite side of the body. Abdominal manifestations include abnormal stomach positioning with possible malrotation of the intestines.1 If malrotation occurs, a laparoscopic Ladd procedure is performed. Materials and Methods: This video shows a laparoscopic Ladd procedure done in a 9-month-old male with right-sided isomerism and asymptomatic intestinal malrotation. Access to the right lower quadrant was achieved by a modified Hasson technique with a Step™ trocar (Auto-Suture) placed through a 5 mm incision in the umbilicus. Pneumoperitoneum was established using 5 L/minute of carbon dioxide under 12 mm Hg of pressure. A 30° telescope camera was inserted into the peritoneal cavity for proper observation. Next, two 3 mm incisions were made in the lower right and left abdominal quadrants. A 3 mm port was placed on the right and a 5 mm port was placed on the left with Step trocars (Auto-Suture). Important structures were immediately identified. The liver was located in the center of the abdomen and the spleen was absent, suggestive of right-sided isomerism. The attachment between the splenic flexure of the colon and the left lateral abdominal wall was divided. The colon was then reflected downwards, exposing the centrally located stomach. Duodenal loops were released from the Ladd bands, allowing for observation of the pancreas lying inside of the C-loop of the duodenum. While looking for the distal portion of the jejunum, it was discovered that the entire jejunum was trapped retroperitoneally, creating a mesocolic hernia. Using hook diathermy, the entire bowel was released down to the ileocecal region, which was in its normal anatomical location in the right lower quadrant. The appendix appeared normal. Using hook diathermy, the mesentery of the appendix was taken down. The appendix was ligated with two 3′0 Vicryl ties, resected, and removed through a port site. All of the small bowel was placed on the right side of the abdomen, and all of the large bowel was placed on the left. Finally, the stomach was insufflated to rule out an intrinsic duodenal obstruction. Air passed easily into the stomach and across the duodenum, confirming patency. The bowel appeared completely viable. Ports were withdrawn after desufflating the pneumoperitoneum. The umbilical port site was closed with 2-0 Vicryl UR-6 single suture. All other port sites were closed with Dermabond glue. Results and Conclusions: There were no postoperative complications. The patient began tolerating feeds on post-operative day #3 and was discharged on post-operative day #4. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 5 mins 51 secs

Annular Pancreas with a Duodenal Web: a Rare Presentation with Simultaneous Intrinsic and Extrinsic Duodenal Obstruction

Congenital duodenal obstruction is a rare cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction caused by various intrinsic and extrinsic congenital lesions. Annular pancreas is one of the causes of extrinsic duodenal obstruction and a duodenal web is one of the causes of intrinsic duodenal obstruction. The simultaneous occurrence of an extrinsic and intrinsic pathology is rare. Only four such cases have been reported in literature. We present a similar case of male neonate with partial duodenal obstruction caused by annular pancreas and an intrinsic duodenal web.

Abnormalities of intestinal rotation and congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction

Background Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is a unique anomaly with variable presentation depending on the site, type of obstruction, as well as the presence of associated anomalies. This is a review of our experience with 51 infants and children with CDO, stressing on the importance of associated rotational abnormalities of the gut. Methods Over a period of 18 years (January 1993– December 2011), 51 infants and children with CDO were treated at our hospital. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively for age at diagnosis, sex, gestation, birth weight, clinical features, associated anomalies, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results Fifty-one (27 boys and 24 girls) infants and children with intrinsic CDO were treated. Their birth weight ranged from 1.38 to 3.8 kg (mean 2.3 kg). Sixteen (31.4%) were premature. The mean maternal age was 25 years (range 18–40 years). Seven presented at 5 months, 18 days, 3.5 years, 1.8 years, 18 days, 1.5 years, and 2 months of age, respectively. Associated anomalies were observed in 34 (66.7%) of them. Sixteen (31.4%) had Down’s syndrome and 11 (21.6%) had congenital heart disease. Nine (17.6%) had rotational abnormalities of the gut, including two with situs inversus. The site of duodenal obstruction was located in the second part of duodenum in 48 (94%) of them. In two, the site of obstruction was in the fourth part of duodenum, whereas in the third it was located in the third part of duodenum. The causes of obstruction were duodenal atresia in 20 (39.2%), without a gap in eight (15.7%) and with a gap in 12 (23.5%), duodenal stenosis in 11 (21.6%), and duodenal diaphragm in 20 (39.2%). In 14 (27.5%) patients, an annular pancreas was observed. The different operative procedures were as follows: duodenoduodenostomy in 26; excision of the duodenal diaphragm and duodenoplasty in 12; Ladd’s procedure, excision of the duodenal diaphragm, duodenoplasty, and appendectomy in four; Ladd’s procedure, appendectomy, and duodenoduodenostomy in two; and duodenojejunostomy in seven. Two underwent reduction duodenoplasty to decrease the size of the duodenum. Three required reoperations, two because of an anastomotic leak and another because of duodenal dysfunction. Sixteen (31.4%) required total parenteral nutrition. Four died, resulting in an overall survival of 92.2%. Conclusion CDO is classified as intrinsic and extrinsic depending on the cause. Rotational abnormalities including situs inversus are among the rare but interesting anomalies associated with intrinsic CDO. The presence of malrotation or nonrotation with congenital bands does not exclude the presence of an associated intrinsic cause, which should be looked for intraoperatively. This is to obviate the possibility of further subsequent operative treatment. Keywords : congenital duodenal obstruction, duodenal diaphragm, malrotation, situs inversus

Late Presentation of a Congenital Intrinsic Duodenal Obstruction in a Patient with Anorectal Malformation

Anorectal Malformations are known to be associated with various other congenital anomalies including duodenal atresia. An association of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction causing partial duodenal obstruction in a patient with anorectal malformation is not described in literature. We describe a case of delayed presentation of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction in a child with high-type anorectal malformations causing diagnostic dilemma.

Influence of Down's syndrome on management and outcome of patients with congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction

Purpose Children with Down's syndrome (DS) have been reported to have a high incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) and respiratory tract infection. These anomalies and complications lead to poor outcomes, especially after treatment of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction (CIDO). The aim of this study was to review and compare the outcome of management of CIDO at a single tertiary institute for children in Thailand. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients with CIDO, who were treated at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health (Bangkok, Thailand) from 1997 to 2006. The patients were classified into 2 groups: A = CIDO with DS and B = CIDO with non-DS (NDS). Each group was then divided into 2 subgroups: A 1 = DS without CHD, A 2 = DS with CHD, B 1 = NDS without CHD, and B 2 = NDS with CHD. Comparisons of management and outcome between group A and group B, subgroup A 1 and subgroup B 1, and subgroup A 2 and subgroup B 2 were performed. Statistical differences were analyzed by the χ 2 test at a P < .05. Results A total of 227 patients (male-female = 108:119) underwent surgical correction of CIDO. Of 227 patients, 86 (37.9%) were shown to have DS (group A), and 141 (62.1%) were NDS patients (group B). Demographic information did not differ between the groups, except for the mothers' age at pregnancy and the operative procedure used for duodenoduodenostomy. Group A had a higher incidence of CHD than group B (66.3% vs 26.2%; P < .05). Early outcome regarding survival rate (SR) was not statistically different between groups (87.2% vs 92.9%; P = .15), but the rate of early postoperative complications in group A was higher than that in group B (45.3% vs 31.1%; P = .03). The overall SR of group A at long-term follow-up was worse than that in group B (68.6% vs 86.7%; P < .05). Late complications and sequelae in group A were also more frequent than in group B (34.6% vs 9.2%; P < .05). When comparing early outcome between DS and NDS patients without CHD, the SR of subgroup A 1 was lower than that of subgroup B 1 (86.5% vs 96.5%; P = .04), but the rate of early postoperative complications did not differ (41.5% vs 24.1%; P = .05). At long-term follow-up, the overall SR of subgroup A 1 was worse than that of subgroup B 1 (73% vs 95.6%; P < .05) because of a higher incidence of late death because of recurrent respiratory tract infection in the A 1 subgroup. In addition, late complications and sequelae were more common in subgroup A 1 than in subgroup B 1 (37.5% vs 8.9%; P < .05). In patients with CHD, there was no statistical difference between early and long-term results of SR or complications between subgroup A 2 and subgroup B 2. The overall SR at long-term follow-up was 63% in subgroup A 2 and 56% in subgroup B 2 ( P = .5). Conclusions Early outcome of CIDO management revealed minimal differences between DS and NDS patients. However, these differences were clearer in long-term outcomes. The DS patients had lower long-term SR and higher rates of complications and sequelae than NDS patients. It is concluded that DS negatively impacts the management and outcome of patients with CIDO.

The Modified Kimura's Technique for the Treatment of Duodenal Atresia

Background/Purpose. Kimura's diamond-shaped-duodenoduodenostomy (DSD) is a known technique for the correction of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction. We present a modification of the technique and review the advantages of this new technique. Methods. From 1992 to 2006, 14 newborns were treated for duodenal atresia. We inverted the direction of the duodenal incisions: a longitudinal incision was made in the proximal duodenum while the distal was opened by transverse incision. Results. Our “inverted-diamond-shaped-duodenoduodenostomy” (i-DSD) allowed postoperative oral feeding to start on days 2 to 3, peripheral intravenous fluids discontinuity on days 3 to 8 (median values 3.6); time to achieve full oral feeds on days 8 to 12 (median values 9.4); the length of hospitalisation ranged from 10 and 14 days (median value 11.2). No complications related to the anastomosis, by Viz leakage, dehiscence, biliary stasis, or stenosis were observed. Conclusions. The i-DSD provides a safe procedure to protect the ampulla of Vater from injury and avoids any formation of a blind loop. The results show that patients who have i-DSD achieve full oral feeds in a very short time period and, consequently, the length of hospitalisation is also significantly reduced.

Congenital Duodenal Obstruction in Children: a Decade's Experience

Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is one of the most common anomalies in newborns and infants. In 38-55% of patients, intrinsic duodenal obstruction is associated with another significant congenital anomaly. We report on a retrospective study of all children born with CDO presented to our institution over a 10-year period. A retrospective analysis was carried out of the records of all children admitted to our center from January 1996 to December 2005 with the diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction. Seventy-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Age ranged from 1 day to 3 months; there were 44 males and 33 females. Weight ranged from 800 g to 4.5 kg. Five babies (6.49%) were born prematurely between 31 and 34 weeks' gestation. For the purposes of comparison, duodenal obstruction was divided into 3 groups according to the intraoperative findings. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 5 years. The collected data were tabulated, compared, and statistically analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (duodenal atresia) consisted of 32 patients, group 2 (annular pancreas) consisted of 30 patients and group 3 (duodenal web) consisted of 15 patients. Twenty-five patients (32.4%) were diagnosed with pure duodenal obstruction, while 52 cases (67.5%) had other associated anomalies. Cardiac anomalies, Down syndrome, GIT anomalies and renal anomalies were the most commonly occurring associated anomalies. Congenital duodenal obstruction repair can have a very good outcome, as our study shows. Associated congenital cardiac, GIT, and respiratory anomalies were the main cause of postoperative morbidity. Down syndrome did not influence morbidity. Mortality was unrelated to duodenal obstruction.

Congenital duodenal diaphragm in eight children.

BackgroundCongenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is a common and usually easy to diagnose cause of intestinal obstruction in the newborn, except when the cause of the obstruction is a duodenal diaphragm. We describe our experience with eight children who had intrinsic duodenal obstruction secondary to a duodenal diaphragm.MethodsThe medical records of 22 children with the diagnosis of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction were reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, gestation, birth weight, clinical features, associated anomalies, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Operative findings and procedures were obtained from the operative notes.ResultsEight of the 22 children (36.4%) had congenital duodenal diaphragm (CDD). In all children, the diagnosis was made from plain abdominal X-ray, which showed the classic double-bubble appearance, and barium meal, which showed duodenal obstruction. Four patients had associated anomalies, including two with Down’s syndrome. Intraoperatively, five patients were found to have duodenal diaphragm with a central hole, while the other three had complete duodenal diaphragms. Postoperatively, all patients did well. Six required total parenteral nutrition.ConclusionsThe 100% survival rate among these children is comparable to that in Western countries, and can be attributed to the lack of major associated abnormalities, good perioperative management, and the availability of total parenteral nutrition.

Endoscopic Management of Duodenal Webs in Infants

Duodenal atresia and stenosis are rare causes of intestinal obstruction in the newborn with the prevalence of 1:6000. Intrinsic duodenal obstruction typically involves the second portion of the duodenum and occurs as a result of several embryologic defects in foregut development, canalization, or rotation. We report two cases of duodenal obstruction in infants successfully treated endoscopically. A comprehensive 32-year single center experience reported 138 newborns and infants presenting with symptoms of vomiting, abdominal distention, dehydration, and weight loss. Patient 1, a two-month-old neonate presents with vomiting. An upper G I series revealed a dilated proximal duodeneum, with an obstructing web. The adult upper endoscope, (O.D. 9.4 mm) was passed into the stomach. Endoscopy revealed a membranous web-like obstruction with a central 2 mm orifice (Fig. 1B). The delicate diaphragm-like movement demonstrated a membranous web. A sphincterotome was passed over the guidewire and three radial incisions were made. Feeding was resumed and the patient discharged after 24 hours. At 12 months, the patient was tolerating full oral feedings and thriving. Patient 2 was a 7 month old male infant with chronic regurgitation and poor weight gain. Upper GI series demonstrated web-like stenosis or membranous stricture. An upper adult endoscope was passed into the stomach. Endoscopy revealed a dilated first portion of the duodenum with a 3 mm opening. A through-the-scope (TTS) dilation balloon was passed through the scope over a wire through the orifice. The orifice was dilated to 10mm (Fig. 2C). A sphictertome was passed over a wire and two radial cuts were made at 11 and 1 o clock (Fig. 2D). The patient was discharged after 24 hours. At the 9-month follow-up, the patient was doing well with excellent oral intake and weight gain. Endoscopic, non-surgical therapy of non-atretic lesions provides an effective, non-invasive management of duodenal webs and stenosis in pediatric patients. The endoscopic procedure avoids the morbidity associated with surgical duodenotomies, allows for prompt feeding and early hospital discharge.

Diaphragmatic duodenal atresia: laparoscopic repair.

Stenosis due to a diaphragm is a type of intrinsic duodenal obstruction in newborns and even in childhood, when obstruction is partial. We present a case of a 13-month-old girl with diaphragmatic stenosis associated with a dilated first and second duodenum. Surgical management consisted of a partial excision of the diaphragm after vertical incision of the anterior part of the second duodenum followed by a transverse suture. This diamond-shaped anastomosis was successfully carried out laparoscopically. No tapering of the duodenum was performed as some authors suggest in cases of megaduodenum. The rapid resumption of peristalsis and fewer adherences than expected after such a minimally invasive approach could make a more invasive procedure unnecessary. Only long-term follow-up and greater experience will show which procedure is most suitable.

Intrinsic duodenal obstruction: trends in management and outcome over 45 years (1951-1995) with relevance to prenatal counselling.

To investigate the incidence of associated anomalies and document changes and progress in the management and outcome of intrinsic duodenal obstruction (atresia or stenosis) in a large series over a long time period with a view to providing comprehensive data for prenatal counselling. A retrospective casenote review. A quaternary referral centre for paediatric and neonatal surgery. Two hundred and seventy-five infants born with duodenal obstruction between 1951 and 1995. For analysis of management and outcome data, the series was divided into three groups, each admitted over 15 year periods: Group A, 1951-1965; Group B, 1966-1980; Group C, 1981-1995. Primary: associated anomalies, complication rates and survival. Secondary: age at diagnosis, duration of hospital stay. There were 136 males and 139 females. Seventeen of 30 cases (57%) presenting between 1991 and 1995 were diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound scan. The median age at diagnosis for atresia was 3.5 days (Group A); 2.2 days (Group B) and 1.8 days (Group C). The median age at diagnosis for incomplete obstruction was five days. Associated anomalies included Down's syndrome (n = 82, 30%); Down's plus cardiac malformation (n = 38, 14%); isolated cardiac (n = 64, 23%); and gastrointestinal problems (n = 116, 42%). Overall complication rates fell from 51% (Group A) to 18% (Group C) and survival increased from 51% to 95% . Median hospital stay also decreased from 35 days to 18 days. These data confirm a progressive improvement in the outcome of intrinsic duodenal obstruction over the past 45 years. It is important to note that they only relate to infants born with duodenal atresia and do not take into account possible 'hidden' mortality resulting from spontaneous abortion or termination.

A follow-up study of annular pancreas in infants and children.

Fifteen pediatric patients undergoing surgery for annular pancreas from 1984 to 1996 were analyzed. Vomiting was the most common presenting symptom. Twelve patients (80%) had associated anomalies including malrotation (40%), intrinsic duodenal obstruction (33%), Down syndrome (27%) and duodenal bands (27%). Their ages at operation were between 5 hours and 8.5 years, with a median of 4 days. Surgical treatment included duodenojejunostomy in nine, duodenoduodenostomy in five and duodenotomy with duodenoplasty in one. The mean duration for reestablishment of bowel transit was 17.9 days, with 22.8 days for duodenojejunostomy and 12.3 days for duodenoduodenostomy. All cases received postoperative follow-up, but only 11 of them were long-term followed until April 1997, with a duration ranging from 1 year and 2 months to 11 years, with a median of 7 years and 5 months. The survival was 100%, but 12 cases (80%) developed postoperative complications including cholestatic jaundice (53%), upper gastrointestinal motility disorder (47%), failure to thrive (40%) and chronic diarrhea (33%). Annular pancreas divisum was noted in one case with chronic relapsing pancreatitis. At the end of follow-up (April 1997), when final ages ranged from 1 year and 2 months to 18 years and 9 months with a median of 7 years and 5 months, there were still problems: steatorrhea in 1, diarrhea after fatty diet in 3, malnutrition in 4, failure to thrive in 3 and lower concentration of stool trypsin in 3 cases. In conclusion, close long-term follow-up is essential for infants treated for annular pancreas because many of them can be expected to develop complications, even if the initial postoperative period is uncomplicated and survival is excellent.

Radiological assessment of duodenal calibre in congenital duodenal obstruction.

A review of barium meal studies in 32 cases of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction (CDO) from the Adelaide Children's Hospital was performed to assess and measure pre and post operative duodenal dilatation. Comparisons were made with a group of 153 normal barium studies from the same Hospital with a view to quantifying normal and abnormal proximal duodenal calibre. Duodenal size was expressed as a ratio D1/L1, (diameter of 1st part of duodenum/height of first lumbar vertebra). In this study a normal range of duodenal diameter was found to be 0.90 to 1.62 (+/- 2 SD from mean), with a mean of 1.26. The CDO patients recorded a range of postoperative ratios on first follow-up barium studies of between 1.2 and 4.5 with a mean of 2.28. Where serial studies had been performed, duodenal diameter was found to show some decrease in size postoperatively. In patients who underwent surgery for membrane obstruction there was a trend towards normalisation of duodenal diameter over time, compared with the atresia group. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance.

Complications associated with surgical treatment of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction

Although survival rates for infants undergoing surgical treatment for congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction are high, long-term follow-up suggests a high complication rate related to surgical therapy. We reviewed 33 neonates who underwent surgery for congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction during the past 10 years. There were 20 girls and 13 boys; the mean gestational age was 36 weeks, and mean birthweight was 2,485 g. Bilious vomiting and intestinal obstruction were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Hydramnios was present in 75% of cases and 21% had associated Down's syndrome. Findings at laparotomy included duodenal atresia (14), annular pancreas (11), and duodenal diaphragm (8). The most frequent surgical procedure was side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy (DD), followed by duodenojejunostomy and resection of web with Heineke-Mikulicz type duodenoplasty. Bowel transit was reestablished at a mean of 13.1 days (range, 6 to 45 days). Seventy-percent of patients developed postoperative complications, the most frequent being megaduodenum with blind loop syndrome or bile reflux gastritis (22%), cholestatic jaundice (17%), gastroesophageal reflux (17%), delayed transit (8%), and bowel obstruction (8%). Six patients (18%) required secondary surgical procedures for postoperative complications (ie, megaduodenum, nonfunctioning anastomosis, missed intrinsic stenosis). Two patients died (6%). Stagnation and functional obstruction in the proximal duodenum is the main factor influencing the morbidity rate among these patients. Consideration should be given to the tapering duodenoplasty and diamond-shaped anastomosis in order to help reduce problems associated with megaduodenum and help restore earlier bowel transit.

Malrotation presenting beyond the neonatal period

The diagnosis of malrotation is easily made in the neonatal period, but is often delayed in older patients. Among 82 patients treated for malrotation in this institution, 45 patients presented with symptoms related to their malrotation, seven were diagnosed at exploration for concomitant intrinsic duodenal obstruction, and 30 patients had malrotations discovered as incidental findings at laparotomy or autopsy. Among the 45 symptomatic patients, 25 (56%) underwent surgery in the first month of life, whereas 20 patients (44%) underwent surgery at an older age. In this last group, the mean age at surgery was 51.5 months (range, 2 months to 16 years), the mean age of onset of symptoms was 2 years (range, 0 to 15 years) and the mean delay in diagnosis was 1.7 years. Although bilious vomiting was the presenting symptom among all patients undergoing surgery in the neonatal period, clinical features of older patients included intestinal obstruction (7), chronic abdominal pain (4), malabsorption/diarrhea (3), peritonitis/septic shock (2), solid food intolerance (1), common bile duct obstruction (1), abdominal distention (1), and delayed transit postappendectomy (1). The frequency of midgut volvulus was equal among both groups. Unusual forms of malrotation were more frequent in patients undergoing surgery beyond the neonatal period. In this group there was evidence of chronic venous and lymphatic obstruction with one case of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis and two cases of intestinal gangrene. A Ladd's procedure was performed in all cases and the most frequent postoperative complication was adhesive intestinal obstruction. There were no deaths. Awareness of the unusual presentation in patients who present beyond the neonatal period may help reduce delays in diagnosis and surgical treatment. We believe that laparotomy is indicated in all patients with malrotation, even if they are asymptomatic.

Diamond-shaped anastomosis for duodenal atresia: An experience with 44 patients over 15 years

During the period between 1974 and 1988 44 patients were treated for congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction using a diamond-shaped anastomosis (35 atresias, including two multiple atresias and nine stenoses). Neither gastrostomy nor transanastomotic tube was used. Postoperatively, oral feeding was started on days 2 to 6 (3.66 +/- 1.41 day). Intravenous fluid administration was discontinued on days 3 to 20 (7.54 +/- 3.58 day). Fourteen patients died, none related to the operative procedure. Of 30 survivors, 21 patients have been followed from 6 months to 15 years. Body weight was within the normal range at the latest visit. Current barium study performed in 19 patients showed no blind loop, megaduodenum, or anastomotic malfunction. The diamond-shaped anastomosis provides the following advantages: (1) early recovery of anastomotic function, and (2) avoidance of later complications, such as formation of a blind loop or anastomotic stenosis.

Congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction: Problems in the diagnosis and management

Nineteen infants with intrinsic duodenal obstruction are analyzed. Atresia was the most common lesion. An exceptionally high rate of associated anomalies (73.7%) were present; Down's syndrome, the single most common anomaly, was seen in 47% of the infants. In seven infants, the diagnosis was delayed and in another three it was made intraoperatively while establishing a gastrostomy for esophageal atresia. Three infants died without operation because of gross prematurity and multiple anomalies. Of the 16 operated on, three died, one due to peritonitis and the other two because of metabolic derangements. Of the various operative procedures used, no significant difference was found in the final outcome of treatment. A schematic approach to the diagnosis and management is proposed.

Congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction: A twenty-year review of its surgical management and consequences

<h2>Summary</h2> We have presented our findings in 158 cases of congenital intrinsic duodenal obstruction seen at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, between 1952 and 1971. Of the 120 undergoing operation, the survival was 67%. The frequency of associated anomalies, especially those involving the esophagus, kidney, and anorectum, was high. Vomiting in the newborn demands early investigation of the alimentary tract, in particular, a plain film or gastrointestinal series, so that these children will be seen and operated on early with the best chance for survival. The etiology of the obstruction may vary from pure atresia to anomalous portal structure, and the possibility of an additional lesion in the duodenum with malrotation and bands must always be kept in mind. Low birth weight and associated anomalies continue to keep the mortality high and present a further challenge to the pediatric surgeon in dealing with these interesting problems.