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Understanding neonatal bowel obstruction: building knowledge to advance practice.

Providing care to neonates with bowel obstruction requires a basic understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy and functional landmarks as well as knowledge of the pathophysiology associated with intestinal blockage. Early recognition and prompt diagnosis necessitate astute assessment of common presenting symptoms and accurate interpretation of diagnostic investigations. Initial medical management is focused primarily on gastric decompression and maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. This article describes features of the neonatal GI tract and discusses common causes of neonatal bowel obstruction.

Digestive System Abnormalities↗

Gastrointestinal malformations associated with prune belly syndrome: three cases and a review of the literature.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS), a triad consisting of abdominal musculature hypoplasia, urinary tract malformations, and cryptorchidism, is frequently associated with other congenital malformations. Although it is acknowledged that gastrointestinal (GI) malrotation and mesenteric anomalies are frequent in PBS, other GI anomalies are generally considered to be exceedingly rare. Here we describe 3 autopsy cases with severe malformations of both midgut and hindgut derivatives and review the world literature to evaluate the spectrum of GI malformations associated with this syndrome. The relatively high frequency of distal stenoses and atresias suggests that the anomalous mesenteric attachments may predispose to prenatal volvulus and subsequent anatomic bowel obstruction. Postnatal volvulus is also occasionally observed. Infants with PBS also appear to be at a higher risk for persistence of the common fetal cloaca.

Adult↗

Ultrasonographic features of gastrointestinal duplications.

The variable sonographic appearance of duplication cysts is presented. Eighteen sonograms from 14 patients, aged 1 day to 8 years, were reviewed over an 8 year period. Water and other aqueous contrast agents were used in six patients as part of the sonographic evaluation. All lesions were confirmed by surgery. All but two patients were symptomatic. Twenty-four cysts were detected, ranging in size from 1.7 to 15.5 cm. The duplication cysts revealed a spectrum of sonographic findings (cystic to solid appearing masses). The mass characteristics, including the "muscular rim sign," and internal debris or hemorrhage, were demonstrated. Multiple unsuspected cysts (3 of 14 or 20%) and complications such as perforation were readily seen with ultrasonography. Serial sonograms demonstrated the changing morphology of two cysts. Other unsuspected intra-abdominal and pelvic pathologic conditions, including pyloric stenosis and ovarian cysts, were identified. Identification of the muscular rim sign is the most reliable indication of a duplication cyst. Multiple masses as well as possible accompanying anomalies in the abdomen and pelvis are readily evaluated with sonography. Lesions are easily followed with serial studies if there is no surgical intervention.

Child↗

Congenital malformations of the gallbladder and cystic duct diagnosed by laparoscopy: high surgical risk.

Congenital anomalies of the gallbladder are rare and can be accompanied by other malformations of the biliary or vascular tree. Being difficult to diagnose during routine preoperative studies, these anomalies can provide surgeons with an unusual surprise during laparoscopic surgery. The presence of any congenital anomaly or the mere suspicion of its existence demands that we exercise surgical prudence, limit the use of electrocoagulation, and ensure that no structure be divided until a clear picture of the bile ducts and blood vessels is obtained. If necessary, perform intraoperative cholangiography to further define the biliary system. However, if the case remains unclear, or if laparoscopy does not provide enough information, open surgery should be considered before undesirable complications occur.

Adult↗

Duplications of the gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal duplications are rare, benign congenital lesions that may occur at any location along the alimentary tract and generally require surgical intervention. Presenting symptoms may be quite varied even among patients with the same anomaly. OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical presentation of gastrointestinal duplications and present our experience with such lesions over the past decade. METHODS: The records of all patients treated for gastrointestinal duplications at a tertiary hospital during 1987 through 1996 were collected, and relevant published literature reviewed. RESULTS: In the nine patients with gastrointestinal duplications, six were in the small bowel and one each in the cecum, colon and esophagus. Presenting clinical features were varied and often subtle. Perinatal ultrasonography, radioscintography and computerized tomography were useful in some cases, while in others the correct diagnosis was established only at surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Alimentary tract duplications are uncommon, and may present as solid or cystic tumors, intussusception, perforation or gastrointestinal bleeding. A high index of suspicion is required when dealing with such cases. Appropriate investigations, including imaging techniques, should be directed toward adequate and planned surgery.

Digestive System Abnormalities↗

CEA, CA125 and CA19-9 levels in congenital gastrointestinal anomalies.

Preoperative and postoperative serum samples of 35 patients with different congenital gastrointestinal anomalies were analyzed for the markers CEA, CA 125 and 19-9 by immunoradiometric assay during a period of three years. The majority of the anomalies were aganglionic megacolon and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. CA 125 and CA 19-9 were likely to indicate logistic model probabilities for babies with anomalies, while CEA was not (F=35.78, p<0.05 for CA CA 125 and F=4.36, p<0.05 for CA 19-9). Probability of no congenital anomaly for babies was: p (Normal)=e4.41-0.13CA125 - 0.05CA19-9/1+e4.41-0.13CA125- 0.05CA19-9 Using CA 125 as a marker, babies with congenital anomalies were determined with 83.3 percent probability (F= 11.33, p<0.05). On the other hand, it was not possible to predict the type of anomaly with these three markers. CEA, CA 125 and CA 19-9 seem to be prognostic variables associated with congenital anomalies. These biological markers provide information that can be incorporated into the diagnosis of anomalies but without doubt results of markers should be supported by clinical findings.

Biomarkers↗

Alimentary tract duplications in children: report of 26 years' experience.

Duplications of the alimentary tract are one of the rare anomalies of the gastrointestinal system. Because of the wide spectrum of the signs and symptoms, preoperative diagnosis frequently cannot be made. A close familiarity with clinical and surgical characteristics provides appropriate management and treatment of duplications. A retrospective clinical study was conducted to evaluate clinical and surgical characteristics and the treatment of duplications of the alimentary tract. During a 26-year period between 1971 and 1997, 38 patients with duplications of alimentary tract underwent operation at the Hacettepe University Department of Pediatric Surgery. Forty-two duplications in 38 patients (20 male, 53%; 18 female, 47%) were encountered. Sixty-nine percent of the patients were symptomatic under the age of one year, with 24 percent presenting with symptoms in the neonatal period. There were one sublingual, nine intrathoracic (including 2 thoracoabdominal) and 32 intraabdominal duplications. Abdominal mass, abdominal distention, constipation, vomiting and respiratory distress were the most frequently encountered signs and symptoms. Plain thoracic and abdominal X-rays, ultrasonography, and computed tomography of the chest and abdomen were the most commonly used diagnostic radiological methods. Thirty-three duplications (79%) were spherical and nine (21%) were tubular. Multiple duplications were encountered in two patients (5.3%). Fourteen duplications (33%) contained heterotopic mucosa, mostly gastric type. More than one type of heterotopic mucosa in the same duplication was encountered in four duplications (10%). Additional malformations were encountered in 26 percent of patients. Six patients (15.8%) died from unrelated causes. The signs and symptoms vary among duplications. Signs and symptoms leading to diagnosis and surgery varied according to the age of patient, location of the duplication, type of mucosal lining, duration of disease and presence of complication. The ideal surgical treatment of duplication is complete excision. However, the other treatment options should be well known.

Digestive System Abnormalities↗

Duplications of the alimentary tract in children.

This study was conducted to assess the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with alimentary tract duplication and review the relevant literature. A retrospective analysis of 28 patients of alimentary tract duplications treated between January 1990-December 1999 was carried out. There was a male preponderance (25:3); 71% of the patients were under 2 years of age. The presenting features were related to the anatomic location. Three patients were diagnosed antenatally. Real time ultrasonography and CT scan was undertaken for preoperative evaluation in the majority of patients. In selected cases a 99m-Tc-pertechnetate scan and barium meal follow through examination were also performed. Majority of duplications were in the jejunum and ileum. Twenty percent of our patients had thoracoabdominal duplication as compared to 2% reported in literature. Four patients required to be operated upon in the emergency for related complications. In the remaining patients complete excision of the cyst was done in 21 and only mucosectomy in 3 patients. Because these lesions are rare and can present with a wide range of clinical manifestations or may even be encountered intraoperatively, the appropriate surgical management requires the surgeon to be familiar with the anatomy and clinical characteristics of these lesions.

Child, Preschool↗