PATHOGENETIC SIGNIFICANCE OF DYSKINESIA OF THE SPHINCTER OF OKSNER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYNDROME OF THE SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY.

The goal of this study is to investigate the pathological physiology of superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 35 articles devoted to SMAS, which were published from 1990 to 2014, and performed radiometric analysis of X-rays, CT scans and MRI slices found in these articles. In pictures the narrowing in the third part of the duodenum was measured from the boundary of the expanded segment to the level of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). RESULTS: Only in 6 (17%) of. 35 cases the narrowing portion of duodenum was located directly between aorta and SMA, and its length was about 1cm. In the remaining 29 cases, the beginning of the narrow segment was 2.5-4.6 cm (average 3.30 ±0.15 cm) proximal to SMA, ie, most of the narrowed duodenum was out of aortomesenteric angle. Location and length of the narrowed segment of duodenum corresponded to the location and length (3.2 ± 0.15 cm) (P> 0.2) of the functional Ochsner sphincter. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that in most cases of SMAS the sphincter Ochsner dyskinesia causes the disease. It is likely that the disease is triggered by heavy stressful conditions that cause a sharp and sustained reduction in the pH of gastric secretions, which in turn leads to the spasms of the sphincter Ochsner. With time this condition progresses to hypertrophy of the contracted wall of the duodenum with subsequent replacement of the muscle fibers by connective tissue. This can lead to the rigidity of the wall.

[Laparoscopic operations for chronic duodenal obstruction in children].

Brief literature review devoted to chronic duodenal obstruction is presented in the article. We described an experience of treatment of 5 children with mechanical form of chronic duodenal obstruction. Duodenal stenosis was observed in 2 patients. Arteriomesenteric compression caused chronic duodenal obstruction in other children. Duodenal obstruction was cured using laparoscopy in all cases. Thus enteroalimentation has been started in early terms and intensive care unit stay and hospital stay was reduced.

Quality of life outcomes in children born with duodenal atresia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine long term quality of life (QoL) outcome for children who underwent surgery for duodenal atresia (DA). METHODS: Patients were identified from a prospective database of neonatal DA cases managed at a tertiary pediatric surgical centre. The QoL was measured using the validated PedsQL™ 4.0 core score and PedsQL™ gastrointestinal module; higher score equates to better QoL. Participants' scores were compared to published control cohorts, age-matching the core score. Trisomy 21 was identified a priori as a possible confounder, informing subgroup analyses for children with and without trisomy 21. RESULTS: Fifty-five families were invited to participate, with 38 surveys returned (39% male; median age 6.7y, range 2.7-17.3y). Seven participants had trisomy 21. There were no differences in QoL measures between all DA participants and controls. The PedsQL™ core score was significantly lower for DA participants with trisomy 21, but there was no accompanying difference in PedsQL™ gastrointestinal score. CONCLUSIONS: Children undergoing DA surgery in the neonatal period typically grow up to have a QoL comparable to a healthy population. Children with DA and trisomy 21 were more likely to have reduced overall QoL, albeit without an associated difference in gastrointestinal QoL score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis study - level II (prospective cohort study).

Migration of hem-o-lock clips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy and cholecystectomy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Migration of endoclips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy is incredibly rare with a poorly understood mechanism. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 56-year-old woman who underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy and cholecystectomy in August 2016 was admitted to our hospital with nausea and vomiting in December 2017. DIAGNOSES: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed high density shades in duodenal ampulla. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed deformation of the duodenal ampulla into two lumens; hem-o-lock clips and stitches were detected in the upper lumen. Contrast enhanced CT scan revealed gastric cancer with liver metastasis (GCLM). INTERVENTIONS: The hem-o-lock clips and stitches were present in the wall of the duodenum; therefore, no attempt was made to remove them. High quality liquid diet, partial parenteral nutrition, and chemotherapy were administered to the patient. OUTCOMES: In September 2018, the patient died of hepatic failure caused by GCLM. LESSONS: This rare complication of the migration of endoclips and stitches into the duodenum after laparoscopic hepatectomy can cause epigastric pain and duodenal obstruction. The complication could be potentially avoided using absorbable endoclips and stitches or by performing of ultrasonic dissection by a skilled operator.

Duodenal atresia with familial apple peel syndrome: case study with review of literature.

This is a case report of a neonate who was antenatally diagnosed with jejunal atresia which turned out to be duodenal atresia with apple peel syndrome. A previous sibling, who also had apple peel but with jejunal atresia, succumbed to sepsis after surgery. The first sibling had jejunal stenosis and had died of sepsis following surgery. Combination of duodenal atresia with apple peel is extremely rare. This coupled with a familial condition is rarer still. This case was challenging due to the short length of the gut and prolonged need for total parenteral nutrition and sepsis in postoperative period.

Megaduodenum in a 59-year-old man: a very late postoperative complication after duodenal atresia.

Intestinal malformations are common defects of the newborn, treated in experienced centres. Reports on long-term follow-up and associated complications are scarce, possibly leading to misinterpretation of clinical signs and symptoms in adulthood. To prevent treatment errors, it is important that physicians are aware of long-term complications of intestinal malformations.

Intestinal malrotations: a review and report of thirty cases.

Intestinal malrotation is a developmental anomaly affecting the position and peritoneal attachments of the small and large bowels during organogenesis in foetal life. It has been defined as absent or incomplete rotation and fixation of the embryonic gut around the superior mesenteric artery. In the present paper, we review the definition, history, embryology/aetiology, epidemiology, symptoms and signs, diagnosis and treatment of intestinal malformations. Moreover, we report the records of 30 cases of malrotation admitted to our department over a period of five years. The final intraoperative diagnosis of the cases presented was 53.3% pure malrotation, 33.3% malrotation with mid-gut volvulus, 6.7% malrotation with duodenal atresia, 3.3% malrotation with Meckel's diverticulum and duodenal atresia, and 3.3% malrotation and biliary atresia. Preoperative imaging studies were performed for 27 cases and surgical management was successfully conducted without any mortality among the cases studied. This article provides an overview of basic and clinical aspects of intestinal malrotation. In addition, the signs and symptoms, imaging findings, and final intraoperative diagnoses presented by the subjects reported on are of potential use and clinical interest.

Shear Modulus of the Partially Obstructed Rat Small Intestine.

A number of factors influence gastrointestinal tissue structure and mechanical properties such as the physical environment and diseases like partial obstruction. Hence multi-axial biomechanical properties are important for understanding the pathophysiology of the obstructed intestine. The aim was to estimate the multi-axial biomechanical properties, in particular with focus on the shear modulus. Partial obstruction of mid-jejunum was created surgically by placement of a polyethylene ring for two weeks in seven male rats. Sham operation was made in five other rats. At the time for termination, three 6-cm intestinal segments were used for histological and mechanical analysis. The segments were obtained distal (S1), proximal (S2) and further proximal (S3) to the site of obstruction or suturing site. The tri-axial testing included simultaneous torsion, inflation and longitudinal stretching. The lumen size, wall thickness, wall cross-sectional area, and muscle layer thickness increased in S2 and S3 of the obstructed rats (p < 0.001) with the most pronounced changes in S2. The opening angle decreased in S2 in the obstructed group (p < 0.05). The tissue stiffness increased in circumferential and longitudinal direction where as it was softer in shear direction, especially in S2 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the histomorphological and mechanical properties including shear properties remodeled proximal to the intestinal obstruction site.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome May Be Overlooked in Women with Functional Dyspepsia.

Objective Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is characterized by the compression of the third segment of the duodenum between the SMA and aorta, resulting in duodenal obstruction. Because the symptoms of the syndrome are similar to those of functional dyspepsia (FD), this study aimed to examine whether or not patients with SMA syndrome were present among those diagnosed with FD. Methods Patients with an FD diagnosis underwent measurement of the angle and distance between the SMA and aorta by ultrasonography or computed tomography. Patients with an angle of ≤22° or with a distance of ≤8 mm between the SMA and aorta were diagnosed with SMA syndrome. Bacterial culture of the duodenal aspirate was also performed. Results Of the 46 FD patients, 5 (11%) met the criteria. All 5 were women with a body mass index significantly lower than the remaining 41 patients (18.7 vs. 24.0 kg/m2, p=0.003). In addition, all 5 patients had 105/mL or more bacteria in the duodenum. The symptoms of these five patients were treated through dietary and postprandial posture counselling with or without medication. Conclusion Patients with SMA syndrome were observed among underweight women diagnosed with FD. Their symptoms may be associated with bacterial overgrowth.

Duodenal Atresia: Open versus MIS Repair-Analysis of Our Experience over the Last 12 Years.

Objective. Duodenal atresia (DA) routinely has been corrected by laparotomy and duodenoduodenostomy with excellent long-term results. We revisited the patients with DA treated in the last 12 years (2004-2016) comparing the open and the minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach. Methods. We divided our cohort of patients into two groups. Group 1 included 10 patients with CDO (2004-09) treated with open procedure: 5, DA; 3, duodenal web; 2, extrinsic obstruction. Three presented with Down's syndrome while 3 presented with concomitant malformations. Group 2 included 8 patients (2009-16): 1, web; 5, DA; 2, extrinsic obstruction. Seven were treated by MIS; 1 was treated by Endoscopy. Three presented with Down's syndrome; 3 presented with concomitant malformations. Results. Average operating time was 120 minutes in Group 1 and 190 minutes in Group 2. In MIS Group the visualization was excellent. We recorded no intraoperative complications, conversions, or anastomotic leakage. Feedings started on 3-7 postoperative days. Follow-up showed no evidence of stricture or obstruction. In Group 1 feedings started within 10-22 days and we have 1 postoperative obstruction. Conclusions. Laparoscopic repair of DA is one of the most challenging procedures among pediatric laparoscopic procedures. These patients had a shorter length of hospitalization and more rapid advancement to full feeding compared to patients undergoing the open approach. Laparoscopic repair of DA could be the preferred technique, safe, and efficacious, in the hands of experienced surgeons.

An evaluation of gastric scintigraphy pre- and postpyloroduodenal peptic stenosis dilation.

BACKGROUND: The usual treatment of pyloroduodenal peptic stenosis has been mainly surgical, through pyloroplasty or gastric resection, with or without vagotomy. Since the first description of treatment for this peptic complication by endoscopic balloon dilation perfomed by Benjamin in 1982 [2], this procedure has become a therapeutic option in association with the medical treatment of peptic disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results involving clinical, endoscopic, and gastric emptying scintigraphy parameters. METHODS: Between August 1998 and February 2000, 20 patients with pyloroduodenal stenosis refractory to conservative treatment were treated at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit of the University of São Paulo Medical School. All patients who presented clinical manifestations of pyloroduodenal stenosis underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to confirm peptic stenosis. Biopsy of the narrowing for the confirmation of a benign disease and gastric biopsy for Helicobacter pylori detection were performed. The treatment consisted of dilation of the stenosis with type TTS (Through The Scope) hydrostatic balloon under endoscopic control, treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, and gastric acid suppression with oral administration of proton pump inhibitor. All patients, except one who was excluded from this study, were submitted to a clinical endoscopic assessment and gastric emptying evaluation by ingestion of (99m)Tc before and after the treatment. Endoscopic evaluation considered the diameter of the stenotic area before and after treatment. A scintigraphic study compared the time of gastric emptying before and after balloon dilation. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed treatment by hydrostatic balloon dilation. Clinical symptoms such as bloating (p < 0.0001), epigastric pain (p = 0.0159), gastric stasis (p < 0.0001), and weight gain (p = 0.036) showed significant improvement. The diameter of the stenotic area increased significantly (p < 0.01) after the dilation treatment as well as a better gastric emptying of (99m)Tc (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The dilation of the peptic pyloroduodenal stenosis using a hydrostatic balloon is a safe and effective procedure. The evaluation with gastric scintigraphy by ingestion of (99m)Tc is an effective method of assessment for the improvement of gastric function, because its results corresponded to the clinical improvement after endoscopic treatment.

[Diagnosis of chronic duodenal obstruction].

Arteriomesenterial compression (AMC) of a low-horizontal part of the duodenum is one of the causes of chronic duodenal obstruction (CDO). The degree of compression of this part of the duodenum was studied in 82 patients with CDO. It was revealed that distance between the aorta and superior mesenterial artery (SMA) on the level of low-horizontal part of the duodenum was less than 20 mm in the majority of cases. When this distance is 20 mm or less the duodenum is compressed by SMA and looks like sand-glass. If the distance between the aorta and SMA is 10 mm and less, delay of contrast in the middle third of a low-horizontal part of the duodenum during roentgenography is an obligate symptom. In AMC 10-20 mm this phenomenon is diagnosed less frequently. In AMC 20 mm and less endoscopy demonstrates symptoms of CDO in the majority of cases. There were no intraoperative subjective symptoms of AMC.

Defective upper gastrointestinal function after repair of combined esophageal and duodenal atresia.

BACKGROUND: Both esophageal atresia (EA) and duodenal atresia (DA) involve deficient anti-reflux barrier, poor esophageal function and eventually, duodenogastric reflux. This study aims at examining the upper gastrointestinal functional status in a cohort of patients with both EA and DA. METHODS: A retrospective survey of patients treated for EA and DA between 1965 and 2012 was conducted. Clinical charts, office visits, imaging, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophageal pH metry/impedance were used to assess the long-term condition of the esophagus, the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or the need for fundoplication. RESULTS: Twenty out of 581 patients treated for EA had associated DA. Ten/twenty children survived; 1 had primary esophageal replacement. With a median follow-up of 9 years, 8/9 had complicated outcomes and 5 still suffered digestive ailments: 2 GER; 1 eosinophilic esophagitis; 1 nodular gastritis, and 1 wrap herniation. A total of 10 procedures were performed: 8 fundoplications, 1 esophagogastric dissociation and 1 replacement with colon. DISCUSSION: The association of EA with DA involves a poor upper digestive function with high risks of GERD and fundoplication failure. The lifelong synergistic play of esophageal, gastric and duodenal dysfunctions in these patients prompts long-term follow-up, and eventually active treatment.

Combination of renal agenesis with respiratory and alimentary tract atresia results in normal lung development.

The VACTERL complex comprises renal agenesis and atresias of the alimentary and respiratory tracts. We report on a case with this combination causing severe oligohydramnios but with normal lung development. The likely protective mechanism for pulmonary development was an increase in alveolar pressure and reduced alveolar fluid loss due to the esophageal-tracheal malformation. This suggests the possible treatment of oligohydramnios by tracheal occlusion.

Partial or complete circular duodenectomy with highly selective vagotomy for severe obstructing duodenal ulcer disease: an initial experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate partial and complete circular duodenectomy combined with highly selective vagotomy (HSV) for relief of gastric retention. DESIGN: A retrospective, case-comparison study. SETTING: University hospital referral center. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with severe obstructing duodenal ulcer disease defined by failure of a saline load test and endoscopic narrowing of the gastric outlet to 5 mm or less. METHODS: In patients with severe obstructing ulcer the diseased duodenal segment was excised with electrocautery (partial excision, 10 patients; complete excision, 8 patients). An HSV was then done. Postoperative fasting gastric residuum measurement and measurement of the emptying of liquids and solids was done at 3 months and patients were weighed at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: No patient experienced postoperative gastric retention or required reoperation in a 2-year follow up. The early emptying of liquid (20 minutes) in complete circular duodenectomy plus HSV was more rapid than in normal subjects and duodenal ulcer patients. The emptying of solids was slightly delayed in partial duodenectomy plus HSV compared with duodenal ulcer patients but not with normal controls. The emptying of solids in duodenal ulcer patients was more rapid than in normal controls. Weight gain was excellent at 3 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Partial duodenectomy and complete circular duodenectomy plus HSV are more efficacious than alternative nonresective procedures in restoring gastric emptying to near normal and restoring weight in patients with obstructing duodenal ulcer.