Segmental Volvulus Research Articles

Neonatal Gastrointestinal Perforations: A 4-year Experience in a Single Centre.

Gastrointestinal perforation (GIP) during the neonatal period is still a significant problem despite improved neonatal care. The study aimed to report on incidence, management, morbidity and mortality. Records of neonates with GIPs between October 2018 and November 2022 were retrospectively analysed. There were 47 patients, 22 (46.8%) males and 25 (53.2%) females. The incidence of neonatal GIP was 0.39% amongst all newborns treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. The mean gestational age was 30.4 ± 4.5 (23-38) weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1493.08 ± 753 (580-2940) g. Of 47 neonates, 5 (10.6%) were full term and 42 (89.4%) were preterm. The mean age of surgery was 12.25 ± 9.89 (0-41) days. A laparotomy was performed in 43 (91.4%) of 47 neonates, while seven of the patients underwent surgical intervention after decompression by percutaneous drainage. Four patients were managed with peritoneal drainage alone due to poor general condition. The pathologies unrelated to necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) were the most common cause of GIPs (55.3%) and included spontaneous intestinal perforation (n = 18), stomach perforation (n = 4), segmental volvulus (n = 2), acute mesenteric ischaemia (n = 1) and meconium peritonitis (n = 1). Overall survival was 55.4%. GIPs are one of the most significant causes of mortality in newborns. The most common cause of perforations is non-NEC entities and can be seen in the entire intestinal system from the stomach to the colon. Surgical exploration is still the primary management model.

Primary small intestinal lymphangiosarcoma in a dog presenting with a segmental partial mesenteric volvulus

A 3-year-old Great Dane presented with a history of chronic vomiting and diarrhoea. Abdominal computed tomography followed by exploratory laparotomy revealed a perforated, segmental partial mesenteric volvulus, affecting an abnormal section of distal jejunum, which was resected. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry results were consistent with jejunal lymphangiosarcoma. This case represents the first report of primary small intestinal lymphangiosarcoma in dogs and the importance of immunohistochemistry for definitive diagnosis.

Bringing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery to the NICU: An Implementation Trial

IntroductionEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines are bundled evidence-informed recommendations implemented to improve quality and safety of perioperative care. This study aims to determine feasibility of NICU implementation of an ERAS Guideline for Intestinal Resection, describing clinical outcomes and adherence to recommendations following light-touch implementation. MethodsInfants <28 days undergoing laparotomy for intestinal resection in a closed-NICU were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included prematurity (<32wks), instability, or major comorbidity. Clinical data reflecting 13 ERAS recommendations were collected through chart review. Descriptive statistics are presented as median [interquartile range]. Thirty-day post-discharge outcomes include NICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, surgical site infection (SSI), re-intubation, readmission, reoperation, and mortality. Adherence was calculated as the percentage of patients eligible for each recommendation whose care was adherent. ResultsTen infant-parent dyads were enrolled (five females; GA 37 weeks [35, 38.8]; birthweight 2.97 kg [2.02, 3.69]). Surgical diagnoses included intestinal atresia/web (n = 6), anorectal malformation (n = 3), and segmental volvulus (n = 1). NICU LOS was 16 days [11, 21], hospital LOS 20 days [18, 30], and 2.5 ventilator days/patient [2, 3]. There was reduced opioid use, no SSIs, one re-intubation, three readmissions, three reoperations, and no mortalities. Adherence to ERAS recommendations ranged 0–100 % with a pooled adherence rate of 73 %. ConclusionIt is feasible to introduce ERAS to the NICU with acceptable overall adherence. Assessing adherence was challenging for some measures. There were promising early clinical findings including a reduction in opioid use. This implementation trial will inform development of an ERAS protocol for surgical NICUs. Level of evidenceIV (Cohort Study).

Parenteral support and micronutrient deficiencies in children with short bowel syndrome: A comprehensive retrospective study

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of chronic intestinal failure. The duration of parenteral support (PS) and the long-term micronutrient needs in children with SBS vary, based on their clinical and anatomical characteristics. Our study aimed to review the clinical course and identify high risk patient groups for prolonged PS and long-term micronutrient supplementation. A retrospective review was conducted on electronic medical records of children with SBS and chronic intestinal failure who were enrolled in the multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program at Manchester Children's Hospital, UK. Children were included in the review if they required PN for more than 60 days out of 74 consecutive days and had at least 3 years of follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24.0. 40 children with SBS achieved enteral autonomy (EA) and 14 remained dependent on PS after 36 months of follow up. Necrotizing enterocolitis was the most common cause for intestinal resection (38.9%) followed by gastroschisis (22.2%), malrotation with volvulus (20.4%), segmental volvulus (9.3%) and long segment Hirschsprung disease (1.9%). Those who achieved EA had significantly longer intestinal length 27.5% (15.0-39.3) than those who remained on PS 6.0% (1.5-12.5) (p<0.001). Type I SBS was only found in the PS cohort. Median PN dependence was 10.82 months [IQR 5.73-20.78]. Congenital diagnosis was associated with longer PN dependence (21.0±20.0) than acquired (8.7±7.8 months), (p=0.02). The need for micronutrient supplementation was assessed after the transition to EA; 87.5% children had at least one micronutrient depletion, most commonly Vitamin D (64.1%), followed by iron (48.7%), Vitamin B12 (34.2%), and vitamin E (28.6%). Iron deficiency and vitamin A depletion were correlated with longer PS after multivariate analysis (OR: 1.103, 1.006-1.210, p=0.037 and OR: 1.048, 0.998-1.102, p=0.062 respectively). In our cohort, small bowel length was the main predictor for EA. Children on longer PS, had more often a congenital cause of resection and were at risk for micronutrient deficiencies in EA.

Neonatal Intestinal Segmental Volvulus: What Are the Differences with Midgut Volvulus?

Intestinal volvulus in the neonate is a surgical emergency caused by either midgut volvulus (MV) with intestinal malrotation or less commonly, by segmental volvulus (SV) without intestinal malrotation. The aim of our study was to investigate if MV and SV can be differentiated by clinical course, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes. Using a defined search strategy, two investigators independently identified all studies comparing MV and SV in neonates. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Of 1,026 abstracts screened, 104 full-text articles were analyzed, and 3 comparative studies were selected (112 patients). There were no differences in gestational age (37 vs. 36 weeks), birth weight (2,989 vs. 2,712 g), and age at presentation (6.9 vs. 3.8 days). SV was more commonly associated with abnormal findings on fetal ultrasound (US; 65 vs. 11.6%; p < 0.00001). Preoperatively, SV was more commonly associated with abdominal distension (32 vs. 77%; p < 0.05), whereas MV with a whirlpool sign on ultrasound (57 vs. 3%; p < 0.01). Bilious vomiting had similar incidence in both (88 ± 4% vs. 50 ± 5%). Intraoperatively, SV had a higher incidence of intestinal atresia (2 vs. 19%; p < 0.05) and need for bowel resection (13 vs. 91%; p < 0.00001). There were no differences in postoperative complications (13% MV vs. 14% SV), short bowel syndrome (15% MV vs. 0% SV; data available only from one study), and mortality (12% MV vs. 2% SV). Our study highlights the paucity of studies on SV in neonates. Nonetheless, our meta-analysis clearly indicates that SV is an entity on its own with distinct clinical features and intraoperative findings that are different from MV. SV should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in all term and preterm babies with bilious vomiting after MV was ruled out-especially if abnormal fetal US and abdominal distension is present.

Congenital mesenteric defect with distal ileal atresia and segmental volvulus in a neonate: A case report

Intestinal volvulus is a rare condition that can be life-threatening. It often occurs after birth and requires emergent surgery. Most cases of volvulus in infants and fetuses are linked to intestinal malrotation. However, Intestinal volvulus may occur even if the midgut is in normal position, due to mesenteric defects. We present the case of a A 2-day-old, female phenotype neonate who presented with recurrent episodes of bilious vomiting. Clinical and radiological presentation was consistent with distal intestinal atresia. In Surgical exploration, we found a segmental volvulus of the terminal ileum complicating a congenital mesenteric defect and associated with a distal ileal atresia. An ileo-caecal resection was performed as well as a resection of the dilated distal bowel. Then an ileo-colic end-to-end anastomosis was done followed by closure of the mesenteric defect. Postoperative course was uneventful. Mesenteric defects can lead to segmental intestinal volvulus even when the midgut is normally rotated. Treatment should be tailored according to the anatomy and bowel status of the patient.

US for Evaluation of Acute Abdominal Conditions in Neonates

US is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of a variety of abdominal conditions, and in recent years it has also become useful and promising as a bedside technique for assessment of acute abdominal conditions in neonates. Bedside US can help, complement, and sometimes replace radiographic or contrast-enhanced studies in critically ill and labile neonates who are difficult to transport to the fluoroscopy suite. Some of the features of bedside US can be applied as point-of-care US (POCUS) of the sick neonate. Some of the abdominal conditions in neonates that can be assessed and monitored with bedside US are necrotizing enterocolitis and its complications, malrotation with a midgut volvulus, segmental volvulus, meconium peritonitis, and complicated inguinal hernia. High-resolution US with the use of 15-MHz and higher-frequency probes allows characterization of the bowel anatomy and features of intestinal abnormalities in neonates in fine detail. Color Doppler US and microvascular imaging improve accuracy in the detection and characterization of bowel vascularity, which is important in the treatment and follow-up of patients with intestinal conditions. © RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center. The slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article.

Diagnosis and management of segmental volvulus of the jejunoileum in a first lactation Flekvieh heifer

AbstractA three‐year‐old first lactation Flekvieh heifer was presented with sudden milk drop, anorexia and absence of faeces in the rectum after being perceived as fit and healthy the day before. Following medical treatment and close monitoring, an exploratory laparotomy was performed and a segmental volvulus of part of the small intestine was identified. Successful treatment involved relieving the intestinal distension and untwisting the intestine. This case was interesting as the cow showed minimal outward signs of discomfort and cardiovascular compromise with intestinal volvulus.

Sentinel bowel loop as a marker for primary segmental intestinal volvulus in extreme low birth weight neonates.

Primary segmental intestinal volvulus is a rare condition that may affect neonates. This condition occurs when a loop of bowel torses around the axis of its mesentery without any other abnormality or malrotation. In the earlier stages, the diagnosis can be challenging due to the lack of specific clinical and radiographic signs. Prompt surgical management is critical as a delay in diagnosis may result in bowel loss or death. We present a series of three cases of extremely low birth weight infants with primary segmental volvulus. A sentinel bowel loop was critical in guiding each patient's surgical management as there were no other clinical markers concerning a pending intra-abdominal catastrophe. This case series suggests that a sentinel bowel loop may be a radiographic marker for primary segmental intestinal volvulus in extremely low birth weight infants.

Neonatal segmental small bowel volvulus with normal intestinal rotation

Segmental small bowel volvulus is a condition in which a portion of bowel twists upon itself. The most common causes include malrotation and intestinal atresia. Volvulus can present at any age, but typically presents within the first few weeks of life. Presentation of midgut volvulus with normal mesenteric fixation and no malrotation is termed primary midgut volvulus. Unrecognized midgut volvulus leads to bowel ischemia and varying degrees of bowel necrosis. We present a rare case of Segmental small bowel volvulus without malrotation in a preterm neonate. On day of life 53, a preterm female born at 25 weeks gestation developed abdominal distention and respiratory distress. Abdominal x-ray showed distended, gas-filled loops of bowel and upper GI series showed no malrotation. Due to concerns for intestinal obstruction, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, which revealed a segmental small bowel volvulus with extensive necrosis, but no malrotation. A well-known complication of midgut volvulus is bowel ischemia, often leading to necrosis and sepsis. With the low prevalence of primary midgut volvulus, delayed diagnosis is common, which often leads to fatal outcomes. Therefore, primary midgut volvulus should be considered in all patients, including neonates that present with abdominal distention, shock, and signs of intestinal obstruction.

Comparison of total midgut volvulus and segmental volvulus in neonates

BackgroundIntestinal volvulus in a neonate, complete or segmental, is a true surgical emergency, which when the diagnosis is delayed can bring detrimental results. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of intestinal volvulus during the neonatal period by comparing total midgut volvulus (TMV) and segmental volvulus (SV). MethodsThe medical records of 44 neonates who were operated on for intestinal volvulus from 1993 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into TMV and SV groups, and clinical features were compared. ResultsOperations were performed on 27 patients for TMV and 17 for SV. All cases of TMV were associated with intestinal malrotation, while those with SV were not. Gestational age, birth weight, and ratio of prematurity showed no differences between the groups. Preoperative diagnosis of TMV or SV was possible in 23 and 5 (85% and 29%) cases, respectively. Intestinal resection was required in 16/17 patients (94%) with SV, while it was required in 5/27 (19%) patients with TMV. When bowel resection was performed in TMV, all but one patient suffered from short bowel syndrome leading to two mortalities, while SV group showed good recovery. ConclusionDiagnosis of SV before laparotomy can be difficult. Even though performing intestinal resection in SV neonates is highly likely, it shows a favorable outcome. TMV neonates are less likely to undergo intestinal resection; however, when bowel ischemia is present, significant morbidity can occur. Type of studyTreatment study. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Intrauterine intestinal volvulus prompting emergency delivery and surgery in a 32wk fetus

Abstract Fetal intestinal volvulus is a medical emergency with potentially fatal consequences thus requires a high index of suspicion and prompt intervention. Echogenic dilated bowels, Whirlpool/Coffee bean signs, polyhydramnios, fetal anemia, fetal ascites with aperistalsis, nonreaasuring CTG are few important diagnostic signs. Mostly it has been described without associated malrotation,as segmental volvulus due to malfixation of gut with or without associated anaomalies such as meconium ileus, CDH, abdominal wall defects. We describe for the first time a case of 1.9kg female fetus detected to have intestinal volvulus associated with multiple ileal atresias and mesenteric defect. The fetus had classical Whirlpool sign, polyhydramnios and anemia, was delivered by emergency Ceasarian Section, post natally detected to have tense abdomen, confirmed Whirlpool sign on post natal USG, underwent emergency laparotomy, resection of necrotic ileal loops & I-C junction and Jejuno-Colic anastomosis. Child adapted to elemental feeding with 50cm of Jejunum without Ileo-cecal valve without shortbowel syndrome. Importance of multidisciplinary perinatal care, possible intrauterine vascular accident in pathogenesis of atresia and fetal volvulus has been emphasized in the case report.

In-utero segmental volvulus around vitellointestinal duct remnants leading to ileal atresia and stenosis: A case series

Background: The etiology of intestinal atresia is multifactorial with vascular accidents being the most common event in its development. In-utero volvulus is a well-known type of vascular accident leading to intestinal atresia. Segmental volvulus around vitellointestinal duct remnants is rarely described vascular accident leading to ileal atresia. Case Series: We report two cases of segmental ileal volvulus around vitellointestinal duct remnants in neonates leading to ileal atresia in one case and intestinal stenosis in the other one. Both neonates presented with signs of neonatal intestinal obstruction. X-ray abdomen performed in both neonates showed air-fluid levels. Both neonates were operated with suspicion of intestinal atresia. At surgery, a segment of the small bowel was found twisted around vitellointestinal duct remnants in both cases. The first case also had intestinal atresia whereas the second one had intestinal stenosis secondary to the segmental volvulus. Conclusion: Segmental volvulus around vitellointestinal duct remnants can also cause ileal atresia or stenosis.

Segmental small bowel volvulus caused by a single adhesion band in a 5-year-old girl: A case report (P. 343)

Segmental small bowel volvulus caused by a single adhesion band in a 5-year-old girl: A case report (P. 343)

Primary Segmental Intestinal Volvulus in a Neonate

Primary segmental intestinal volvulus is a rare disease with an aggressive clinical course. Early diagnosis and prompt management prevents life-threatening necrosis and perforation. A 1-day-old newborn girl with this disorder is reported to emphasize the presentation, imaging findings and management.

The role of sonography for depiction of a whirlpool sign unrelated to midgut malrotation in neonates

The sonographic whirlpool sign of volvulus due to midgut malrotation is well recognized. However, variations of the whirlpool sign may be seen in other conditions, but this observation has received little attention in the literature. This study presents a series of neonates with a variety of causes of congenital intestinal obstruction, all associated with a whirlpool sign (unrelated to midgut volvulus), which was correctly recognized preoperatively on sonography. We also emphasize the pivotal role of sonography in managing congenital obstruction of the intestinal tract in neonates. This is a retrospective analysis of clinical, imaging and surgical findings in 11 neonates with congenital intestinal obstruction associated with a whirlpool sign (unrelated to midgut volvulus) that was recognized preoperatively on sonography and in whom the cause for the whirlpool was documented at surgery. Eleven neonates (eight male, three female) had clinical and radiographic evidence of intestinal obstruction in whom sonography depicted a whirlpool sign, which was recognized on the initial sonogram in nine and on a repeat sonogram in two. The whirlpool was located in the upper abdomen in only two, mid-abdomen in five and right lower quadrant in four. The whirlpool was only 1-2cm in diameter. An upper gastrointestinal series in three neonates failed to depict the cause of obstruction. Contrast enema in three cases had findings suggesting the site of obstruction was in the ileum but none depicted the exact cause of the obstruction. At surgery, the whirlpool sign correlated with a segmental volvulus of the small intestine in eight neonates and with the coiled distal small intestine associated with apple-peel atresia in the other three. This study illustrates neonates in whom a whirlpool sign (unrelated to midgut volvulus) was correctly recognized on sonography before surgery. Sonography proved more useful than an upper gastrointestinal series or contrast enema in depicting the exact cause of the obstruction. Pediatric radiologists must make the effort to search throughout the entire abdomen and pelvis for a small whirlpool sign on sonography, even in the absence of midgut malrotation, in neonates with congenital intestinal obstruction. Its recognition preoperatively will facilitate a rapid diagnosis and will obviate the necessity for contrast examinations of the gastrointestinal tract, which require ionizing radiation.

Primary Segmental Volvulus of Small Intestine: Surgical Perspectives According to Age at Diagnosis.

Background: Small intestinal volvulus often occurs with malrotation. However, in some cases, it could develop without any other clinical conditions, and this is called primary segmental volvulus (PSV) of the small intestine. Two types of PSV (early and late neonatal) have been described previously, especially in preterms. Moreover, there were other cases occurring beyond the neonatal period.Methods: The medical records of 14 cases definitively identified as PSV were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to postnatal age at diagnosis: neonatal group and beyond neonatal group. Then, the 2 groups were compared in terms of clinical features.Results: There were 11 patients in the neonatal group (78.6%) and 3 patients in the beyond neonatal group (21.4%). There were no differences in gestational age, birth weight, and ratio of prematurity. In the neonatal group, the antenatal abnormal sonographic findings were found more frequently and the perforation of the involved segment were relatively common. Meanwhile, the involved segment was confined to the ileum and more commonly associated with mesentery change in the beyond neonatal group. There was no mortality.Conclusion: The 2 clinical types of PSV according to postnatal age at diagnosis show some differences in clinical features. Moreover, PSV should be considered a possible cause of surgical problems beyond the neonatal period.

Review. Gastrointestinal Surgery in Neonates: Practice, Facts, and Trends

The author presents an overview of the current trends in acute neonatal gastrointestinal surgery. Necrotizing enterocolitis and focal intestinal perforation are disorders of different etiology, appearance, and prognosis. In neonates with focal perforation, a good prognosis can be expected. Primary anastomosis is a valid option for primary surgery. Meconium ileus is based on obstruction of the terminal ileum. Medical treatment is the primary therapeutic option, although surgery may be required. In contrast, meconium plug syndrome is based on stool plugging in the left colon, and surgery is not appropriate. Hirschsprung’s disease is confirmed on the basis of representative biopsy of the rectum just above the dentate line. There is a trend toward a single-step pull-through operation without protective stoma. Open hernia repair in small neonates can be performed via a mini-incision and without opening the external inguinal ring. Laparoscopic hernia repair has some advantages, especially in girls. In infants with pyloric stenosis, laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is a first line option for treatment. There is a general trend toward single-stage procedures and laparoscopic reconstructive surgery for gastrointestinal malformations. With the exception of tracheoesophageal fistula and low bowel obstruction, the vast majority of upper gastrointestinal malformations can be identified using prenatal ultrasound examination. One-stage repair with excellent results is even possible in neonates below 1000 g. Surgery of duodenal or small bowel atresia can be performed following the postnatal adaptation period. For some forms of anorectal malformation, the need for a protective stoma has been questioned in the last decade. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty remains the standard procedure for the majority of cases. Midgut or segmental volvulus affects different groups of infants. If a neonate is suspected of having any type of volvulus, urgent surgery is required. Intestinal duplication carries a high risk for complications, and surgery should be performed on an elective basis.

Transumbilical minilaparotomy in low-birthweight newborns for complicated conditions

The purpose of this study is to examine the outcome of transumbilical minilaparotomy for infants and compare the results between normal birthweight (NBW) and low birthweight (LBW). Between July 2010 and March 2017, infants who underwent abdominal surgery through transumbilical minilaparotomy were enrolled. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, NBW and LBW. Complexity was defined as complicated conditions other than intestinal atresia and malrotation. Totally, 16 patients were included. The diagnosis included intestinal atresia (n=3), meconium peritonitis (n=4), bowel infarction/necrosis (n=4), spontaneous intestinal perforation (n=2), segmental volvulus and necrosis (n=1), necrotizing enterocolitis (n=1), and malrotation (n=1). The median gestational age and body weight were 32 (24-40) weeks and 1731 (560-4200) grams respectively. The median age at operation was 3 (1-41) days. The surgical procedure included primary repair of the intestine (n=14), ileostomy (n=1) and Ladd's procedure (n=1). Postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage (n=2), adhesion ileus (n=1), and missed rectal atresia (n=1). There was one mortality due to extremely low birthweight and poor lung maturation. Re-operation was required in 3 patients for anastomotic leakage (n=2) and missed rectal atresia (n=1). Mean birthweight was 2932±97 and 1263±667g in NBW (n=5) and LBW (n=11), respectively (p<0.01). Complexity rate was 40% and 90.9%, respectively (p=0.034). The mean operation time was 139.4±65.8 and 124.3±46.1min, respectively (p=0.60). The complicated rate and reoperation rate were similar. Transumbilical minilaparotomy is technically feasible and an alternative option of minimally invasive surgery for LBW infants and complex conditions.

Meconium Peritonitis by Segmental Volvulus of the Ileum, Prenatal Diagnosis: Clinical Finding and Literature Review

Meconium Peritonitis by Segmental Volvulus of the Ileum, Prenatal Diagnosis: Clinical Finding and Literature Review