Esophageal Atresia and Associated Duodenal Atresia: A Cohort Study and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal atresia (EA) is associated with duodenal atresia (DA) in 3 to 6% of cases. The management of this association is controversial and literature is scarce on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We aimed to (1) review the patients with EA + DA treated at our institution and (2) systematically review the English literature, including case series of three or more patients. RESULTS: Cohort study: Five of seventy-four patients with EA had an associated DA (6.8%). Four of five cases (80%) underwent primary repair of both atresia, one of them with gastrostomy placement (25%). One of five cases (20%) had a delayed diagnosis of DA. No mortality has occurred. Systematic Review: Six of six-hundred forty-five abstract screened were included (78 patients). Twenty-four of sixty-eight (35.3%) underwent primary correction of EA + DA, and 36/68 (52.9%) underwent staged correction. Nine of thirty-six (25%) had a missed diagnosis of DA. Thirty-six of sixty-eight underwent gastrostomy placement. Complications were observed in 14/36 patients (38.9 ± 8.2%). Overall mortality reported was 41.0 ± 30.1% (32/78 patients), in particular its incidence was 41.7 ± 27.0% after a primary treatment and 37.0 ± 44.1% following a staged approach. CONCLUSION: The management of associated EA and DA remains controversial. It seems that the staged or primary correction does not affect the mortality. Surgeons should not overlook DA when correcting an EA.

Percutaneous Biliary Metallic Stent Insertion in Patients with Malignant Duodenobiliary Obstruction: Outcomes and Factors Influencing Biliary Stent Patency.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the technical and clinical efficacy of the percutaneous insertion of a biliary metallic stent, and to identify the factors associated with biliary stent dysfunction in patients with malignant duodenobiliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 70 patients (39 men and 31 women; mean age, 63 years; range, 38-90 years) who were treated for malignant duodenobiliary obstruction at our institution between April 2007 and December 2018, were retrospectively reviewed. Variables found significant by univariate log-rank analysis (p < 0.2) were considered as suitable candidates for a multiple Cox's proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The biliary stents were successfully placed in all 70 study patients. Biliary stent insertion with subsequent duodenal stent insertion was performed in 33 patients and duodenal stent insertion with subsequent biliary stent insertion was performed in the other 37 study subjects. The median patient survival and stent patency time were 107 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 78-135 days) and 270 days (95% CI, 95-444 days), respectively. Biliary stent dysfunction was observed in 24 (34.3%) cases. Multiple Cox's proportional hazard analysis revealed that the location of the distal biliary stent was the only independent factor affecting biliary stent patency (hazard ratio, 3.771; 95% CI, 1.157-12.283). The median biliary stent patency was significantly longer in patients in whom the distal end of the biliary stent was beyond the distal end of the duodenal stent (median, 327 days; 95% CI, 249-450 days), rather than within the duodenal stent (median, 170 days; 95% CI, 115-225 days). CONCLUSION: The percutaneous insertion of the biliary metallic stent appears to be a technically feasible, safe, and effective method of treating malignant duodenobiliary obstruction. In addition, a biliary stent system with a distal end located beyond the distal end of the duodenal stent will contribute towards longer stent patency in these patients.

Congenital duodenal obstruction in the UK: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) comprising duodenal atresia or stenosis is a rare congenital anomaly requiring surgical correction in early life. Identification of variation in surgical and postoperative practice in previous studies has been limited by small sample sizes. This study aimed to prospectively estimate the incidence of CDO in the UK, and report current management strategies and short-term outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective population-based, observational study for 12 months from March 2016. SETTING: Specialist neonatal surgical units in the UK. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of CDO, associated anomalies and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 110 cases were identified and data forms were returned for 103 infants giving an estimated incidence of 1.22 cases per 10 000 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.49) live births. Overall, 59% of cases were suspected antenatally and associated anomalies were seen in 69%. Operative repair was carried out mostly by duodenoduodenostomy (76%) followed by duodenojejunostomy (15%). Postoperative feeding practice varied with 42% having a trans-anastomotic tube placed and 88% receiving parenteral nutrition. Re-operation rate related to the initial procedure was 3% within 28 days. Two infants died within 28 days of operation from unrelated causes. CONCLUSION: This population-based study of CDO has shown that the majority of infants have associated anomalies. There is variation in postoperative feeding strategies which represent opportunities to explore the effects of these on outcome and potentially standardise approach. Short-term outcomes are generally good.

Umbilical Cord Ulcer and Intrauterine Death in Fetal Intestinal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of umbilical cord ulcer (UCU) that causes intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in fetal duodenal or jejunoileal atresia and the association between UCU and bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. METHODS: Perinatal outcomes were evaluated in cases of fetal intestinal atresia between 2003 and 2017. A pathological examination of the umbilical cord was performed, and bile acid concentrations in the amniotic fluid were measured. RESULTS: Among the 46 cases included in this study, there were 27 with duodenal atresia and 19 with jejunoileal atresia. There were 4 cases (8.7%) of IUFD and 1 (2.2%) neonatal death with multiple structural anomalies. UCUs were found in 37.5% (15/40) of cases, and severe UCUs with exposed vessels were significantly more common in IUFD (3/4) than in livebirth (0/42) cases (p < 0.01). The incidences of chromosomal abnormality and structural anomalies were not markedly different between livebirth (9/30 and 11/42, respectively) and IUFD (1/3 and 1/4, respectively) cases. Bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid were significantly higher in cases of UCUs than in those without (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: UCUs were not rare in fetal intestinal atresia and were associated with high bile acid concentrations in amniotic fluid. UCUs with exposed vessels were associated with IUFD in intestinal atresia.

Long-term outcomes and risk factors of biliary stent dysfunction after endoscopic double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Few reports describe the endoscopic double-stenting procedure for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions. We evaluated the clinical outcomes from double stenting, and analyzed the risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction following double stenting. METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent endoscopic double stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions were retrospectively analyzed. We determined the stent dysfunction rate and the biliary stent dysfunction risk factors, and analyzed the endoscopic reintervention results. RESULTS: Overall survival time and survival time following double stenting were 365 (38-1673) days and 73 (20-954) days, respectively. After double stenting, the 3-month and 6-month duodenal stent dysfunction rates were 14% and 41%, respectively. Reintervention technical success rate was 100% (10/10), and mean gastric outlet obstruction scoring system scores improved from 0.7 to 2.4 points (P < 0.001). The 3-month and 6-month biliary stent dysfunction rates were 26% and 41%, respectively. The reintervention technical and clinical success rates were 95% (20/21) and 81% (17/21), respectively. Risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction following double stenting were events associated with duodenal stent dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 11.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.09-87.4; P = 0.0044) and the biliary stent end's location (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.37-40.2; P = 0.0019). CONCLUSIONS: Some patients had stent dysfunction irrespective of the survival period after double stenting. Endoscopic reintervention was technically feasible and clinically effective even after double stenting. Duodenal stent dysfunction and biliary stent end's location were risk factors for biliary stent dysfunction.

Self-expanding metal stents for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with and without peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 62 patients who underwent SEMS placement for treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction at our hospital over a six-year period. Stents were deployed through the scope under combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. Technical success was defined as successful stent placement and expansion. Clinical success was defined as an improvement in the obstructive symptoms and discharge from hospital without additional parenteral nutrition. According to carcinomatosis status, patients were assigned into groups with or without evidence of peritoneal disease. RESULTS: In most cases, obstruction was caused by pancreatic (47%) or gastric cancer (23%). Technical success was achieved in 96.8% (60/62), clinical success in 79% (49/62) of all patients. Signs of carcinomatosis were identified in 27 patients (43.5%). The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology or previous operation in 7 patients (11.2%) and suspected by CT, MRI or ultrasound in 20 patients (32.2%). Presence of carcinomatosis was associated with a significantly lower clinical success rate compared to patients with no evidence of peritoneal disease (66.7% vs 88.6%, P = 0.036). There was no significant difference in overall survival between patients with or without PC (median 48 d vs 70 d, P = 0.21), but patients showed significantly longer survival after clinical success of SEMS placement compared to those experiencing clinical failure (median 14.5 d vs 75 d, P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Given the limited therapeutic options and a clinical success rate of at least 66.7%, we believe that SEMS are a reasonable treatment option in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Association Between Prenatal Sonographic Findings of Duodenal Obstruction and Adverse Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of prenatal sonographic findings with adverse outcomes and the causes of duodenal obstruction. METHODS: A total of 59 cases of congenital duodenal obstruction were included in this study. The sonographic findings, including the degree of duodenal dilatation, polyhydramnios, and their change over gestation, were investigated. Adverse outcomes were defined as fetal death in utero, postnatal death, and gastrointestinal complications requiring readmission or reoperation during the follow-up period. The cause of duodenal obstruction was also assessed. RESULTS: Among the patients studied, 2 (3.4%) had fetal death in utero and 2 (3.5%) had postnatal death. Gastrointestinal complications requiring readmission or reoperation occurred in 10.9%. In the cases with or without adverse outcomes, no significant differences were observed in the prenatal sonographic findings: maximum duodenal dilatation, mean amniotic fluid index, and the changes in these parameters with advancing gestation. The cases with adverse outcomes were associated with a younger gestational age at delivery compared to the cases without adverse outcomes. Notably, the degree of duodenal dilatation and amniotic fluid volume were greater in duodenal atresia than in other causes of obstruction, including duodenal stenosis, a duodenal web, and an annular pancreas. In the study population, the overall postoperative survival rate was 98.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal sonographic findings of duodenal obstruction were not associated with adverse outcomes; however, they may be helpful for differentiating the cause of duodenal obstruction.

Comparison between uncovered and covered self-expandable metal stent placement in malignant duodenal obstruction.

AIM: To compare the clinical outcomes of uncovered and covered self-expandable metal stent placements in patients with malignant duodenal obstruction. METHODS: A total of 67 patients were retrospectively enrolled from January 2003 to June 2013. All patients had symptomatic obstruction characterized by nausea, vomiting, reduced oral intake, and weight loss. The exclusion criteria included asymptomatic duodenal obstruction, perforation or peritonitis, concomitant small bowel obstruction, or duodenal obstruction caused by benign strictures. The technical and clinical success rate, complication rate, and stent patency were compared according to the placement of uncovered (n = 38) or covered (n = 29) stents. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates did not differ between the uncovered and covered stent groups (100% vs 96.6% and 89.5% vs 82.8%). There were no differences in the overall complication rates between the uncovered and covered stent groups (31.6% vs 41.4%). However, stent migration occurred more frequently with covered than uncovered stents [20.7% (6/29) vs 0% (0/38), P < 0.05]. Moreover, the overall cumulative median duration of stent patency was longer in uncovered than in covered stents [251 d (95%CI: 149.8 d-352.2 d) vs 139 d (95%CI: 45.5 d-232.5 d), P < 0.05 by log-rank test] The overall cumulative median survival period was not different between the uncovered stent (70 d) and covered stent groups (60 d). CONCLUSION: Uncovered stents may be preferable in malignant duodenal obstruction because of their greater resistance to stent migration and longer stent patency than covered stents.

Congenital duodenal obstruction in neonates: a decade's experience from one center.

BACKGROUND: Congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO) is one of the most common anomalies in newborns, and accounting for nearly half of all cases of neonatal intestinal obstruction. This study aimed to review our single-center experience in managing congenital duodenal obstruction while evaluate the outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of all neonates dianogsed with congenital duodenal obstruction admitted to our center between January 2003 and December 2012. We analyzed demographic criteria, clinical manifestations, associated anomalies, radiologic findings, surgical methods, postoperative complications, and final outcomes. RESULTS: The study comprised 287 newborns (193 boys and 94 girls). Birth weight ranged from 950 g to 4850 g. Fifty-three patients were born prematurely between 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. Malrotation was diagnosed in 174 patients, annular pancreas in 66, duodenal web in 55, duodenal atresia or stenosis in 9, preduodenal portal vein in 2, and congenital band compression in 1. Twenty patients had various combinations of these conditions. Presenting symptoms included bilious vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss. X-rays of the upper abdomen demonstrated the presence of a typical double-bubble sign or air-fluid levels in 68.64% of patients, and confirmatory upper and/or lower gastrointestinal contrast studies were obtained in 64.11%. Multiple associated abnormalities were observed in 50.52% of the patients. Various surgical approaches were used, including Ladd's procedure, duodenoplasty, duodenoduodenostomy, duodenojejunostomy, or a combination of these. Seventeen patients died postoperatively and 14 required re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital duodenal obstruction is a complex entity with various etiologies and often includes multiple concomitant disorders. Timely diagnosis and aggressive surgery are key to improving prognosis. Care should be taken to address all of the causes of duodenal obstruction and/or associated alimentary tract anomalies during surgery.

SEMS vs cSEMS in duodenal and small bowel obstruction: high risk of migration in the covered stent group.

AIM: To compare clinical success and complications of uncovered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) vs covered SEMS (cSEMS) in obstruction of the small bowel. METHODS: Technical success, complications and outcome of endoscopic SEMS or cSEMS placement in tumor related obstruction of the duodenum or jejunum were retrospectively assessed. The primary end points were rates of stent migration and overgrowth. Secondary end points were the effect of concomitant biliary drainage on migration rate and overall survival. The data was analyzed according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-two SEMS were implanted in 20 patients. In all patients, endoscopic stent implantation was successful. Stent migration was observed in 9 of 16 cSEMS (56%) in comparison to 0/16 SEMS (0%) implantations (P = 0.002). Stent overgrowth did not significantly differ between the two stent types (SEMS: 3/16, 19%; cSEMS: 2/16, 13%). One cSEMS dislodged and had to be recovered from the jejunum by way of laparotomy. Time until migration between SEMS and cSEMS in patients with and without concomitant biliary stents did not significantly differ (HR = 1.530, 95%CI 0.731-6.306; P = 0.556). The mean follow-up was 57 ± 71 d (range: 1-275 d). CONCLUSION: SEMS and cSEMS placement is safe in small bowel tumor obstruction. However, cSEMS is accompanied with a high rate of migration in comparison to uncovered SEMS.

Palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction: Applications of self-expandable metal stent.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, effects on survival and complications of self-expandable metal stent applications in patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODS: Twenty-five patients undergoing metal stent insertion due to malignant gastroduodenal obstruction between February 2005 and July 2009 were included in the present study. In all patients, self-expandable metal stent 22 mm in diameter was inserted under scopic guidance. The patients were evaluated regarding age, gender, etiology, efficacy of stent insertion, complications, and duration of patency of the stent. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients included in the study, 15 were female and 10 were male. Their mean age was 65.9 years (57-81 years). The most common etiological causes were duodenal tumor (n=10, 40%) and pancreatic tumor (n=8, 32%). Duodenal stent was inserted successfully in all patients. In 4 patients, percutaneous biliary metal stent was inserted at the same time due to concomitant obstructive jaundice. No mortality occurred during the procedure. A second stent was inserted in 4 patients due to stent migration. The patients were followed for a mean of 92 days (7 to 258 days) after the procedure. The stents remained clinically patent in all patients during the follow-up period until death. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion of duodenal metal stent is an effective and safe therapeutic approach in the palliative treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction.

Large-balloon technique for one-step endoscopic biliary stenting in patients with an inaccessible major papilla owing to difficult duodenal stricture (with video).

BACKGROUND: Marked duodenal stenosis makes endoscopic biliary stenting (EBS) impossible, although it is the most common method for treating obstructive jaundice in patients with benign or malignant biliary strictures. Large-balloon dilation can be used to enable endoscope passage in the GI tract. OBJECTIVE: We describe 4 cases of successful EBS combined with the use of a large balloon for the treatment of difficult duodenal strictures in patients with benign and malignant biliary strictures. DESIGN: A retrospective case series. SETTING: Two tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Four patients: 1 with hilar carcinoma, 1 with gallbladder carcinoma, and 2 with chronic pancreatitis. INTERVENTIONS: After duodenal dilation, the slightly deflated balloon was pushed with the endoscope into the major papilla through the duodenal stricture (pushing method used in 2 patients). In the cases in which the major papilla was not accessible with the pushing method, a large dilation balloon was deflated completely after dilation, advanced beyond the stricture into the third portion of the duodenum, and reinflated to the maximum size. Pulling the dilation balloon catheter into the working channel while hooking the inflated balloon as the anchor at the anal side of the duodenal stricture, the endoscope was straightened to advance to the major papilla (hooking method used in 2 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Successful EBS. RESULTS: Reaching the major papilla and EBS was accomplished in all 4 patients. LIMITATION: Small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Use of large-balloon dilation can contribute to successful ERCP in patients with difficult duodenal strictures.

Effectiveness of self-expanding metal stents for malignant antropyloric and duodenal obstruction with a comparison between covered and uncovered stents.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated overall clinical outcomes when self-expanding metal stents were used to treat malignant gastroduodenal obstruction; we also evaluated the differences in technical feasibility, effectiveness, and outcomes between covered and uncovered stents. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed 134 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for malignant antropyloric and duodenal obstructions with self-expanding metal stents. RESULTS: In all but two cases, the procedures were successful in restoring passage through the obstruction. Forty-two patients (31.8%) experienced stent failure during the follow-up period (23/79 (29.1%) with uncovered stents, 19/53 (35.8%) with covered stents). Stent migration was the most common cause for failure in covered stents (73.7%), while tumor ingrowth was the most common cause in uncovered stents (52.2%). The median technical survival in the uncovered stent group was similar to covered stent group (253 days vs. 247 days, p>0.05). Improvement of oral intake was associated with improvement in performance score, which was significantly improved following stent insertion (p<0.05). In addition, patients whose performance score was improved by stenting had better survival than those who did not (median survival 173 days vs. 74 days, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic stenting for malignant gastroduodenal obstruction appears to be an effective therapeutic modality in terminally ill patients, irrespective of the type of stent. Improvement in stent technology will improve patients' oral intake, which in turn will improve patients' quality of life and survival rate.

Combined endoscopic stent insertion in malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are an effective palliative treatment for malignant biliary and duodenal strictures. Combined biliary and duodenal stenting remains a technical challenge, however. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of an endoscopic approach to double stenting of malignant biliary and duodenal strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients referred for palliative gastroduodenal and biliary stenting were followed up prospectively. Patients' demographic characteristics, the site and nature of the strictures, success rates, complications, and survival time were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients underwent double stenting. In 46 patients, biliary obstruction occurred before the onset of duodenal obstruction (by a median of 107 days) (group 1); in 14 patients, biliary obstruction occurred concurrently with duodenal obstruction (group 2); and in four patients the duodenal obstruction preceded the biliary obstruction (by a median of 121 days) (group 3). The duodenal strictures were proximal to the papilla in 31 patients, adjacent to the papilla in 25 patients and distal to the papilla in eight patients. The majority of biliary strictures were in the middle or distal third of the bile duct (in 52/64 patients). Duodenal SEMS were successfully deployed in all patients. Combined endoscopic stenting was successful in 100% of patients in group 1, 86% of patients in group 2, and in 100% of patients in group 3. Taking the three groups together, early complications occurred in 6% of patients and late complications occurred in 16% of patients. The overall median survival after combined stenting was 81 days (range 2-447 days). CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic biliary and duodenal SEMS insertion is safe and effective for palliation in malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction. Biliary stenting through the mesh of the duodenal SEMS is technically feasible and has a high success rate.

Duodenal atresia and stenosis: long-term follow-up over 30 years.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal atresia and stenosis is a frequent cause of congenital, intestinal obstruction. Current operative techniques and contemporary neonatal critical care result in a 5% morbidity and mortality rate, with late complications not uncommon, but unknown to short-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with duodenal anomalies was performed from 1972 to 2001 at a tertiary, children's hospital to identify late morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Duodenal atresia or stenosis was identified in 169 patients. Twenty children required additional abdominal operations after their initial repair with average follow-up of 6 years (range, 1 month to 18 years) including fundoplication (13), operation for complicated peptic ulcer disease (4), and adhesiolysis (4). Sixteen children underwent revision of their initial repair: tapering duodenoplasty or duodenal plication (7), conversion of duodenojejunostomy to duodenoduodenostomy (3), redo duodenojejunostomy (3), redo duodenoduodenostomy (2), and conversion of gastrojejunostomy to duodenoduodenostomy (1). There were 10 late deaths (range, 3 months to 14 years) attributable to complex cardiac malformations (5), central nervous system bleeding (1), pneumonia (1), anastomotic leak (1), and multisystem organ failure (2). CONCLUSIONS: Late complications occur in 12% of patients with congenital duodenal anomalies, and the associated late mortality rate is 6%, which is low but not negligible. Follow-up of these patients into adulthood is recommended to identify and address these late occurrences.

Surgical bypass versus metallic stent for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

With the development of interventional radiology and endoscopy, the practice of inserting expandable metallic stents for malignant jaundice has become widespread. Many studies have compared surgical bypass with polyethylene stents, or metallic stents with polyethylene stents. However, few data are available on the comparison of surgical bypass and metallic stents. The aim of this study was to compare the patient's postprocedure course and the cost performance of surgical bypass and metallic stents in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. The parameters analyzed were the rates of procedural and therapeutic success, duration of hospital stay, prevalence of early and late complications, cost performance, and prognosis. The rates of procedural and therapeutic success were excellent with both palliative treatments. With surgical bypass, there was a low prevalence of late complications, but duodenal obstruction sometimes occurred in patients without gastric bypass. With metallic stents, there was shorter hospitalization and lower cost, but a higher prevalence of late complications. Stent occlusion tended to occur in patients with uncovered metallic stents. There was no difference in the prognosis between the two palliative treatments. Thus, in consideration of the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, insertion of covered metallic stents would be preferable to surgical bypass, because of the subsequent short hospitalization and the low cost. On the other hand, in patients with a relatively long expected prognosis, or in those with existing duodenal obstruction, biliary bypass with gastrojejunostomy may provide an advantage.

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

OBJECTIVE: 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. DESIGN: A retrospective casenote review. SETTING: A quaternary referral centre for paediatric and neonatal surgery. POPULATION: Two hundred and seventy-five infants born with duodenal obstruction between 1951 and 1995. METHODS: 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. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: associated anomalies, complication rates and survival. Secondary: age at diagnosis, duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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 minimally invasive palliative approach to advanced pancreatic and papillary cancer causing both biliary and duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: In patients with both duodenal and biliary obstruction in whom endoscopic drainage is not feasible, the standard approach has been gastroenterostomy plus biliodigestive anastomosis. We present our results of percutaneous biliary drainage in combination with gastroenterostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients, who received permanent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and gastroenterostomy in case of symptomatic gastric outlet obstruction were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: PTBD insertion succeeded in all patients; minor complications were encountered in 47.6% of cases. Bilirubin fell from 9.2 mg/dl (SD 7.6) to 4.9 mg/dl (SD 3.6). Gastroenterostomy, either open (n = 10) or laparoscopic (n = 6), had to be performed in 16 patients before, during or after PTBD. Thirty day mortality was 23.8%, not related to the procedure, but due to advanced neoplastic disease. Mean survival and hospital stay were 4.9 months (SD 3.6) and 21.5 days (SD 7.3) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PTBD and gastroenterostomy offers a promising alternative to surgery. However efforts to reduce complications as well as the duration of hospital stay are necessary.

Role of prophylactic gastroenterostomy for unresectable pancreatic carcinoma.

Methods of palliation and the use of prophylactic gastroenterostomy in the treatment of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma remain controversial. Gastroenterostomy has been linked with various complications. We conducted a 10-year (1982-1992) retrospective review of patients who had unresectable pancreatic carcinoma and underwent biliary decompression without prophylactic gastroenterostomy. 50 patients were studied. Only four patients (8%) developed duodenal obstruction and required reoperation for therapeutic gastroenterostomy. The mean time to obstruction was 15.75 months, whereas the mean overall survival was 12.99 months. The mean survival of patients who underwent therapeutic gastroenterostomy was 32.25 months, with an average palliation of 16.5 months after the second operation. We conclude that pancreatic carcinoma has a rapid natural progression, and most patients do not survive long enough to obstruct. The ones who do obstruct are unique in that they survive for a long period of time. We recommend that routine prophylactic gastroenterostomy is unnecessary, and selective use of gastroenterostomy should be exercised in case of present or impending duodenal obstruction.

Laparoscopic gastroenterostomy for duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: It is not yet clear where laparoscopic procedures will fit into the armamentarium of the surgeon. Over the past decade, there has been a clear trend toward minimally invasive procedures for palliation of inoperable cancer. Traditionally, when duodenal obstruction occurs secondary to a disease process, gastric bypass through laparotomy is required. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 13, 1992 and September 13, 1994, 10 patients underwent laparoscopic gastroenterostomy for duodenal obstruction. In 9 patients, the procedure was carried out for malignant obstruction; in 1 patient, duodenal obstruction was secondary to chronic scarring from benign peptic ulcer disease. Eight of these patients already had biliary decompression through radiologic or endoscopic means. One patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystenterostomy for biliary obstruction in addition to the laparoscopic gastroenterostomy. RESULTS: Laparoscopic gastroenterostomy was successfully completed in 8 of the 10 patients. In 2, conversion to open surgery was necessary. There was no mortality related to this operative approach. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastroenterostomy is a safe procedure for treatment of duodenal obstruction. Good palliation can be expected in patients with obstruction of the duodenum secondary to advanced malignancies.