Laparoscopic Versus Conventional Open Congenital Duodenal Obstruction Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery (LS) compared to open surgery (OS) for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). METHODS: We conducted a literature review to find studies comparing LS and OS in neonates with CDO. A meta-analysis was conducted to systematically compile and compare factors, including surgical duration, time of feeding initiation, hospital length of stay (LOS), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eleven studies with 1615 patients (LS: 338, OS: 1277) met inclusion criteria. Operative time was observed to be much shorter in the OS group (I2 = 97%); weighted mean difference (WMD) 60.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 30.29 to 90.28; p < 0.0001). The LS group had a significantly shorter time to initiate feeding (I2 = 0%; WMD -3.38, 95% CI: -4.35 to -2.41; p < 0.00001), shorter time to full feeding (I2 = 0%; WMD -3.64, 95% CI: -5.06 to -2.22; p < 0.00001), and shorter LOS (I2 = 52%; WMD -3.42, 95% CI: -5.75 to -1.08; p = 0.004). There were no significantly differences in the rates of anastomotic leak (I2 = 24%; OR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.12 to 4.67; p = 0.76), anastomotic stricture (I2 = 0%; OR 1.12, 95% CI: 0.39 to 3.20; p = 0.83), postoperative ileus (I2 = 0%; OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.74; p = 0.34), and overall complications between the groups (I2 = 59%; OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.74; p = 0.68). The LS group, however, had a significantly decreased frequency of wound infection (I2 = 0%; OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.82; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Despite certain limitations in our analysis, the laparoscopic approach was associated with comparable postoperative outcomes. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: 2a. TYPE OF THE STUDY: Meta analysis.

"Gastrointestinal Quality of Life After Congenital Duodenal Obstruction Repair: A Nationwide Long-term Follow-up Study".

BACKGROUND: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is one of the most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies. Still, patient-reported long-term results are limited. The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term gastrointestinal quality of life (QoL), generic QoL, patient-reported scar appearance, and reinterventions after CDO repair. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for CDO in Norway from 1995 to 2020 were invited to answer the validated questionnaires PedsQL and PedsQL gastrointestinal symptom scale and a study-specific questionnaire on general health and scar assessment. Parent-proxy reports were used for patients <12 years and patients with cognitive impairment. Scores were compared with an American and Norwegian control group for gastrointestinal and generic QoL, respectively. RESULTS: Of 186 eligible patients, eight were deceased, 25 had unretrievable contact information, and 79 did not respond. There were no significant differences between included (n = 74) and not included (n = 112) patients regarding baseline data. The mean follow-up time was 13.3 (SD = 6.6) years. Patients with CDO had significantly lower overall gastrointestinal QoL than controls (85.9 versus 90.0, p = 0.010). The most common symptoms were gas/bloating, constipation, food/drink limits, and reflux. Generic QoL was similar between the CDO population and controls (84.4 versus 85.3, p = 0.530). Twenty-one (28 %) patients had some degree of pain and/or concern related to the surgical scar. Nine (12 %) patients had reoperations related to the CDO repair; four due to adhesive small bowel obstruction. CONCLUSION: A notable portion of patients report troublesome gastrointestinal symptoms and cosmetic concerns regarding their surgical scar after CDO repair. Even so, generic QoL was good. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal ultrasonography for the diagnosis of fetal double bubble sign.

Background: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is commonly detected antenatally through the presence of the "double bubble" sign on prenatal ultrasound, denoting dilatation of the stomach and duodenum. Subsequent postnatal ultrasonography plays a pivotal role in determining the causes of obstruction, thereby informing surgical strategies and neonatal management. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of postnatal ultrasonography in comparison to that of prenatal ultrasound and surgical findings in a cohort of 43 patients with fetal double bubble sign. Methods: A total of 43 patients, comprising 24 males and 19 females, who exhibited double bubble sign on prenatal ultrasound were subjected to postnatal ultrasound assessment at a tertiary care facility during the 2018-2023 period. The accuracy of both pre-and postnatal ultrasonography in the identification and diagnosis of CDO, as well as its underlying causes, was compared to that of the established gold standard of surgical findings. Results: The accuracy rates for prenatal and postnatal ultrasonic diagnosis of CDO were 97.7% (42/43) and 100% (42/42), respectively. In terms of etiological diagnosis, prenatal and postnatal ultrasound correctly identified the causes of obstruction in 45.2% (19/42) and 81.0% (34/42) of cases, respectively, as confirmed by surgical intervention. Conclusions: The presence of the prenatal double bubble sign serves as a highly reliable indicator for CDO. Additionally, postnatal ultrasonography proved to be a valuable tool in refining the diagnosis and determining the underlying causes of obstruction in neonates.

Balloon dilation of congenital perforated duodenal web in newborns: Evaluation of short and long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction (ICDO) is caused by a congenitally perforated duodenal web (CPDW). Currently, only six cases of balloon dilatation of the PDW in newborns have been described. AIM: To present our experience of balloon dilatation of a perforated duodenal membrane in newborns with ICDO. METHODS: Five newborns who underwent balloon dilatation of the CPDW along a preinstalled guidewire between 2021 and 2023 were included. Nineteen newborns diagnosed with ICDO who underwent laparotomy were included in the control group. RESULTS: In all cases, good anatomical and clinical results were obtained. In three cases, a follow-up study was conducted after 1 year. The average time to start enteral feeding per os was significantly earlier in the study group (4.4 d) than in the laparotomic group (21.2 days; P < 0.0001). The time spent by patients in the intensive care unit and hospital after balloon dilatation was also significantly shorter. We determined the selection criteria for possible and effective CPDW balloon dilatation in newborns as follows: (1) Presence of dynamic radiographic signs of the passage of a radiopaque substance beyond the zone of narrowing or radiographic signs of pneumatisation of the duodenum and small bowel distal to the web; (2) presence of endoscopic signs of CPDW; (3) successful cannulation with a guidewire performed parallel to the endoscope, with holes in the congenital duodenal web; and (4) successful positioning of the balloon performed along a freestanding guidewire on the web. CONCLUSION: Strictly following selection criteria for newborns with ICDO caused by CPDW ensures that endoscopic balloon dilatation using a pre-installed guidewire is safe and effective and shows good 1-year follow-up results.

The beneficial effects of the transanastomotic feeding tube in the management of congenital duodenal obstruction: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the evidence on the efficacy and safety of transanastomotic feeding tubes (TAFTs) in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), we conducted a systematic review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the databases EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane, we carried out a thorough literature search up to 2022. Studies comparing TAFT + and TAFT - for CDO were included. We applied a random effect model. RESULTS: 505 CDO patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The TAFT + group had a shorter time to reach full feeds (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -6.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -8.83 - -4.43; p < 0.001) and had significantly less central venous catheter (CVC) insertion (I2 = 85%) (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-1.00; p < 0.05). Fewer patients in the TAFT + group received parenteral nutrition (PN) (I2 = 78%) (RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95; p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the development of sepsis (I2 = 37%) (risk ratio [RR]: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.52-3.46; p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of length of stay (I2 = 82%) (WMD: 2.22, 95% CI: -7.59-12.03; p > 0.05) and mortality (I2 = 0%) (RR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.07-4.34; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the transanastomotic tube resulted in early initiation of full feeding, less CVC insertion, and less need for PN.

OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad de TAFT en recién nacidos con CDO, realizamos una revisión sistemática. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Utilizando las bases de datos EMBASE, PubMed y Cochrane, realizamos una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva hasta 2022. Se incluyeron estudios que compararan TAFT + y TAFT - para CDO. Aplicamos un modelo de efectos aleatorios. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 505 pacientes con ODC que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. El grupo TAFT + tuvo un tiempo más corto para alcanzar la alimentación completa (DMP -6.63, IC del 95 %: −8.83 a −4.43; p < 0.001) y tuvo una inserción de CVC significativamente menor. Menos pacientes en grupo TAFT + recibieron NP (I2 = 78%) (RR: 0.43, IC del 95%: 0.20 a 0.95; p < 0.05). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa en cuanto al desarrollo de sepsis. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la duración de la estancia (I2 = 82 %) (DMP 2.22, IC del 95 %: −7.59 a 12.03; p < 0.05) y mortalidad (I2=0 %) (RR: 0.55, IC del 95 % 0.07 a 4.34; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: El uso de la sonda transanastomótica resultó en el inicio temprano de la alimentación completa, menor inserción de CVC y menor necesidad de NP.

[Delayed complication of surgical treatment of duodenal atresia in neonatal period]. / Pozdnee oslozhnenie khirurgicheskogo lecheniya atrezii dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki v neonatal'nom periode.

We report a 48-year-old woman who underwent surgery in early neonatal period for duodenal atresia and developed subsequent diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding and malnutrition developed over the past 5 years. Inflammatory and cicatricial lesions of gastrojejunostomy formed for congenital duodenal obstruction following annular pancreas required reconstructive surgery.

Double Whammy: Duodenal Stenosis and Gastrointestinal Malrotation.

One of the main causes of proximal bowel obstruction in neonates is congenital duodenal obstruction. It can be grouped by intrinsic and extrinsic factors and the presentation may differ depending on whether the obstruction is complete or partial. The intrinsic factors include duodenal atresia, duodenal stenosis, or duodenal web. The extrinsic factors include malrotation with Ladd's band, annular pancreas, anterior portal vein, and duodenal duplication. Malrotation may present with or without midgut volvulus. We are sharing a rare presentation of congenital duodenal obstruction with combined intrinsic and extrinsic causes, namely, duodenal stenosis with gastrointestinal malrotation in a neonate. The patient underwent successful exploratory laparotomy, corrective Kimura's procedure (duodenostomy), Ladd's procedure, and appendicectomy. Early recognition of signs and symptoms, prompt corrective surgery, and adequate optimization of metabolic components post-operatively are important to determine the decreased morbidity and mortality of neonates.

Novel qualitative and quantitative ultrasound markers to facilitate prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is challenging. We aimed to determine new ultrasound metrics for accurate prenatal diagnosis of fetal CDO. METHODS: Data pertaining to 46 fetuses with suspected small intestinal obstruction (26 CDO; 16 high jejunal obstructions) were retrospectively analyzed. Prenatal ultrasonographic features including dilated intestinal length, stomach length, maximum intestinal dilatation, ratio of dilated intestinal length at late gestation and dilated stomach length (I/S ratio), and location of distal end of dilated bowel segment relative to spine were compared between CDO and high jejunal obstruction groups. The diagnostic performance of ultrasound indices was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: In 25 out of 26 CDO cases, the distal end of the dilated small intestine segment was located on the right side of spine, while that in the high jejunal obstruction group was located on the left side of spine. The dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio in CDO group were significantly smaller than those in high jejunal obstruction group (p < .05). Dilated intestinal length <51 mm or I/S ratio <1 showed high sensitivity (100, 100%) and specificity (96.1, 92.3%) for CDO (area under the curve: 0.995 and 0.988, respectively). There were no significant differences in the AUCs of dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio. Significant correlation of the site of obstruction in CDO with fetal dilated intestinal length and I/S ratio (r = 0.686; 0.660, p < .001, respectively) were noted. CONCLUSION: Location of the distal end of the dilated small intestine segment relative to the spine, dilated intestinal length, and I/S ratio may help differentiate fetal CDO from high jejunal obstruction. The latter two metrics were associated with the site of obstruction in CDO patients.

Laparoscopic versus open repair of congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic versus open repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (CDO). METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify studies that compared laparoscopic surgery (LS) and open surgery (OS) for neonates with CDO. Meta-analysis was used to pool and compare variables such as operative time, time to feeding, length of hospital stay, anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, wound infection, and overall postoperative complications. RESULTS: Among the 1348 neonatal participants with CDO in the ten studies, 304 received LS and 1044 received OS. When compared to the OS approach, the LS approach resulted in shorter hospital stays, faster time to initial and full feeding, longer operative time, and less wound infection. However, no significant difference in secondary outcomes such as anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, and overall postoperative complications was found between LS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: LS is a safe, feasible and effective surgical procedure for neonatal CDO when compared to OS. Compared with OS, LS has a faster time to feeding, a shorter hospital stay, and less wound infection. Furthermore, in terms of anastomotic leak or stricture, postoperative ileus, and overall postoperative complications, LS is equivalent to OS. We conclude that LS should be considered an acceptable option for CDO.

Use of trans-anastomotic tubes in congenital duodenal obstruction.

AIM: Despite data to suggest benefit of trans- anastomotic tube (TAT) feeding in infants following repair of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), TAT usage is limited. We aimed to report a large series of infants with CDO treated with or without TAT in order to improve the evidence underlying this simple intervention. METHOD: Single centre retrospective review of all infants CDO over a 20-year period (January 1999 - November 2020, inclusive). Important outcomes were compared between infants treated with or without TAT. Data are median [IQR]. RESULTS: Ninety-six infants were included. A TAT was placed in 54 infants (56%). Median time to full enteral feed was significantly shorter in the TAT group (6 [5-8] days vs 10 [7.5-12], p <0.001). Time to first feed was shorter in the TAT group (2 [2-2.8] days vs 3 [2-5], p<0.001). Significantly fewer infants with a TAT placed received a central venous catheter (CVC, 15% vs 76%, p <0.001). Infants without a TAT received parenteral nutrition (PN) for longer (0 [0-0] vs 7 [0-11] days, p <0.001). There was no change in length of stay between TAT and no TAT group (16 [13-21.8] vs 15 [12-21.8] days, p = 0.722). Eight infants (15%) in the TAT group required a CVC and PN. One infant in the TAT group developed a perforation that required surgical management and nine infants in the non-TAT group had complications related to the CVC (21%), including one infant that required general anaesthetic for tunnelled central line placement (2.3%). CONCLUSION: In infants with CDO, TAT use was associated with earlier establishment of full enteral feeds, reduced need for CVC and PN and reduced complications. Further research should focus on the barriers to wider use of TAT by surgeons and neonatologists in infants with CDO.

Prenatal Detection of Congenital Duodenal Obstruction-Impact on Postnatal Care.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal obstruction is a rare cause of congenital bowel obstruction. Prenatal ultrasound could be suggestive of duodenal atresia if polyhydramnios and the double bubble sign are visible. Prenatal diagnosis should prompt respective prenatal care, including surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate and importance of prenatally diagnosed duodenal obstruction, comparing incomplete and complete duodenal obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was performed using data from patients operated on for duodenal obstruction between 2004 and 2019. Prenatal ultrasound findings were obtained from maternal logbooks and directly from the investigating obstetricians. Postnatal data were obtained from electronic charts, including imaging, operative notes and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 33/64 parents of respective patients agreed to provide information on prenatal diagnostics. In total, 11/15 patients with complete duodenal obstruction and 0/18 patients with incomplete duodenal obstruction showed typical prenatal features. Prenatal diagnosis prompted immediate surgical treatment after birth. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction is only achievable in cases of complete congenital duodenal obstruction by sonographic detection of the pathognomonic double bubble sign. Patients with incomplete duodenal obstruction showed no sign of duodenal obstruction on prenatal scans and thus were diagnosed and treated later.

Ultrasonographic Imaging of the Fetal Duodenal Tract.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether fetal duodenal tract sections can be visualized in the prenatal ultrasonographic examination. METHODS: This study was designed in cross-section. Healthy singleton pregnant women who applied to the perinatology outpatient clinic for second-level ultrasound scanning between September 2020 and February 2021 were included in the study. Demographic information of the participants was obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed. The fetal duodenal tract was evaluated in three sections, including the pylorus. The fetal duodenal tract was differentiated from adjacent organs by its anatomical location, hyperechoic nature, and presence of fluid in the lumen. RESULTS: A total of 278 eligible participants between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation were evaluated. While the fetal pylorus was closed in 76.6% of the participants, it was open in 23.4%. Duodenum pars superior, pars descendens, and pars inferior imaging rates were 99.3%, 98.2%, and 95.7%, respectively. It was possible to distinguish these parts from neighboring organs by 99.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. While the first, second, and third parts of the duodenum were observed as solid in 42.0%, 58.2%, and 52.2%, respectively, 57.9%, 41.7%, and 47.7% had fluid in the lumen. CONCLUSION: The fetal duodenal tract can be viewed with prenatal ultrasonography in pregnant women who are not in a dorsoanterior position. This may make an additional contribution to the diagnosis of duodenal obstructions, which is the most common cause of intestinal atresia in prenatal screening.

Trans-anastomotic tube feeding in the management of congenital duodenal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Feed intolerance is a common problem in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). Some surgeons insert trans-anastomotic tubes (TAT) to facilitate feed tolerance. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TATs in CDO. METHODS: Medline, EmBase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched till July 2020. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using Random Effects Model. RESULTS: No randomized controlled trials addressing the question were identified. In the 6 included observational studies, 96 infants underwent intraoperative TAT placement and 117 did not. Four studies reported benefits of TAT such as early attainment of full feeds and decreased need for parenteral nutrition. Two studies reported better outcomes in the no-TAT group. Accidental removal of TAT without clinical harm was reported in three studies [5/37 (14%), 4/17 (23%), and 2/4 (50%)]. Overall meta-analysis found no differences between the groups on any outcome. However, sensitivity analysis after excluding two studies with high risk of bias found that TAT tubes are associated with shorter duration of PN and shorter time to full enteral feeds. GRADE of evidence was very low for all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is limited regarding the efficacy and safety of intraoperative TAT placement in neonates with CDO. Well-designed RCTs are needed to address the issue definitively.

Outcomes and survival of infants with congenital duodenal obstruction following Kimura procedure with post-anastomosis jejunostomy feeding tube.

BACKGROUND: Several modifications of the Kimura procedure for congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) have been reported, however, their effects on the outcomes show conflicting results. METHODS: We compared the CDO outcomes following the Kimura procedure with and without post-anastomosis jejunostomy feeding tube (JFT). RESULTS: A total of 52 CDO neonates were involved (JFT: 13 males and 2 females vs. non-JFT: 14 males and 23 females, p = 0.0019). Time to full oral feeding was significantly earlier in the JFT than non-JFT group (14 [interquartile range (IQR), 12-15] vs. 17 [IQR, 14-22.5] days; p = 0.04). Duration of parenteral nutrition given to infants with CDO after surgery was significantly shorter in the JFT than non-JFT group (12 [IQR, 10-15] vs. 17 [IQR, 13-23] days; p = 0.031). Moreover, enteral feeding was significantly earlier in the JFT than non-JFT group (2 [IQR, 1-3.5] vs. 5 [IQR, 4-6] days; p = < 0.0001). However, the length of stay following surgery was not significantly different between groups (16 [IQR, 14-22] vs. 20 [IQR, 17-28] days; p = 0.22). Also, overall patient survival did not significantly differ between JFT (66.7%) and non-JFT patients (59.5%) (p = 0.61). CONCLUSION: Jejunostomy feeding tube shows a beneficial effect on the time to full oral feeding, duration of parenteral nutrition and early enteral feeding in neonates with congenital duodenal obstruction after Kimura procedure.

The value of saline-aided ultrasound in diagnosing congenital duodenal obstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to assess the value of saline-aided ultrasound (US) in diagnosing congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). METHODS: The neonates with CDO were enrolled in this study, including the neonates confirmed with annular pancreas (AP) by operation, the neonates confirmed with duodenal atresia, the neonates confirmed with duodenum web, and the neonates confirmed with malrotation. Pertinent data were recorded, including the US features, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures. The methodology of this study is a diagnostic test study which means the US feature is the test and the intraoperative finding is the gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 95 neonates were enrolled, including 33 neonates with AP, 6 neonates with duodenal atresia, 29 neonates with duodenum web, and 27 neonates with malrotation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of the hyperechogenic band for the detection of AP were 78.8% (26/33), 90.3% (56/62), 81.2% (26/32), 88.8% (56/63), and 86.3% (82/95), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and accuracy for the detection of duodenal atresia were 0% (0/6), 100% (89/89), 93.6% (89/95), and 93.6% (89/95), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for the detection of duodenum web were 100% (29/29), 100% (66/66), 100% (29/29), 100% (66/66), and 100% (95/95), respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy for the detection of malrotation were 100% (27/27), 100% (68/68), 100% (27/27), 100% (68/68), and 100% (95/95), respectively. CONCLUSION: Saline-aided US is a feasible tool to diagnose CDO.

The application of prenatal ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research is to summarize the prenatal ultrasound characteristics of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), especially in the diagnosis of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas. At present, few researchers have summarized the specific ultrasound features of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas. METHODS: In this study, a retrospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with CDO between January 2016 and December 2019 was carried out. Data on the diagnosis, ultrasound images and outcomes of the patients were gathered, and the features of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed that there were 17 patients (42.5%) of congenital duodenal diaphragm, all with a 'rat tail' sign on the ultrasound images. Moreover, there were 4 patients (10.0%) of CDO caused by annular pancreas, all with a 'pliers' sign on the ultrasound images. We summarized the imaging features of the 'rat tail' sign and the 'pliers' sign. CONCLUSION: The main conclusion of this study was that the 'rat tail' sign could be used as an indirect ultrasound feature to diagnose duodenal diaphragm. The 'pliers' sign could be used as a direct ultrasound feature in the diagnosis of annular pancreas in CDO.

Enhanced recovery after surgery for the treatment of congenital duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been widely used in adult surgery. However, ERAS has not been reported in neonatal surgery. The present prospective study explored the application value of ERAS in treating congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). METHODS: A total of 68 cases of CDO were collected from October 1, 2017 to July 31, 2019. We divided patients with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction into the ERAS group and those who were diagnosed the disease after birth into the control group. The ERAS group adopted ERAS-related measures, and the control group followed the usual measures. The study compared the differences in the gestational age, birth weight, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, feeding intolerance, and weight one month after surgery between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were included in the analysis, including 23 who were allocated to the ERAS group and 26 to the control group. The LOS was 9.696±1.222 days in the ERAS group and 12.654±1.686 days in the control group, resulting in a significantly shorter LOS in the ERAS group than in the control group (p<0.001). One month after surgery, the neonates in the ERAS group weighted significantly more than those in the control group. No differences were observed in birth weight, gestational age, and the incidence of complications or feeding intolerance between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this single-center study, the implementation of neonate-specific ERAS for CDO surgery was feasible and safe and led to a shorter LOS without increasing the incidence of complications or feeding intolerance. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Congenital Duodenal Stenosis: Prenatal Evaluation by Three-dimensional Ultrasound HDlive Silhouette Mode, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Postnatal Outcomes.

The "double bubble" sign is a common sign of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), which has been detected during prenatal diagnosis for over 40 years. CDO is strongly associated with chromosomal and structural abnormalities and encompasses a wide spectrum of diagnoses. Here, we describe a case of duodenal stenosis, a rare cause of duodenal obstruction, which was suspected using conventional two-dimensional ultrasound and three-dimensional reconstruction with the HDlive silhouette mode at the 28th prenatal week. The suspicion was further supported by magnetic resonance imaging performed at the 32nd prenatal week and confirmed by postnatal surgery.

Comparison of outcomes between complete and incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) can be complete (CCDO) or incomplete (ICDO). To date there is no outcome analysis available that compares both subtypes. AIM: To quantify and compare the association between CCDO and ICDO with outcome parameters. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent operative repair of CCDO or ICDO in our tertiary care institution between January 2004 and January 2017. The demographics, clinical presentation, preoperative diagnostics and postoperative outcomes of 50 patients were compared between CCDO (n = 27; atresia type 1-3, annular pancreas) and ICDO (n = 23; annular pancreas, web, Ladd´s bands). RESULTS: In total, 50 patients who underwent CDO repair were enrolled and followed for a median of 5.2 and 3.9 years (CCDO and ICDO, resp.). CCDO was associated with a significantly higher prenatal ultrasonographic detection rate (88% versus 4%; CCDO vs ICDO, P < 0.01), lower gestational age at birth, lower age and weight at operation, higher rate of associated congenital heart disease (CHD), more extensive preoperative radiologic diagnostics, higher morbidity according to Clavien-Dindo classification and comprehensive complication index (all P ≤ 0.01). The subgroup analysis of patients without CHD and prematurity showed a longer time from operation to the initiation of enteral feeds in the CCDO group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CCDO and ICDO differ with regard to prenatal detection rate, gestational age, age and weight at operation, rate of associated CHD, preoperative diagnostics and morbidity. The degree of CDO in mature patients without CHD influences the postoperative initiation of enteral feeding.

The DATE Association: A Separate Entity or a Further Extension of the VACTERL Association?

BACKGROUND: The combination of esophageal atresia, congenital duodenal obstruction, and anorectal malformation has seldom been reported. We describe the largest series of patients with such association, which we summed up with the mnemonic acronym DATE [D-duodenal obstruction, A-anorectal malformation (ARM), and TE-tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia]. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective review of 13 patients recruited from 8 institutions over a nearly 5-decade period (1968-2017). Information gathered included type of DATE malformations, other associated anomalies, type and timing of surgery, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The DATE association consisted of type C esophageal atresia (13), complete (9) or incomplete (4) congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), and high or intermediate (8) or low (5) ARM. Eight patients had at least one additional component feature of VACTERL association. A total of 6 patients died. Overall, 9 patients achieved complete restoration of gastrointestinal continuity, 7 of whom are alive at a median follow-up of 4 y (range, 1 to 9). Survivors received a median of 6 major operations (range, 4 to 14) to overcome their anomalies and surgical complications. Two incomplete duodenal obstructions were initially overlooked. All survivors with high or intermediate ARM defects required some form of bowel management to keep them clean. CONCLUSIONS: The DATE association is a low-frequency entity, often occurring among the wider spectrum of VACTERL association. Functional outcomes largely depend on the severity of ARM or other major associated malformations. Awareness of the DATE association may avoid untoward diagnostic delays of subtler component features of the spectrum, such as an incomplete CDO.