Exploring the clinical characteristics and prevalence of the annular pancreas: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The annular pancreas (AP) is a rare gastrointestinal congenital malformation, in which malrotation of the pancreatic ventral bud in the seventh week of embryonic development manifests in a partial or complete ring of tissue around the second part of the duodenum. METHODS: The main online medical databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley online library, Web of Science, and EBSCO discovery service were used to gather all relevant studies on the AP. RESULTS: A total of 12,729,118 patients were analyzed in relation to the prevalence of AP. The pooled prevalence of AP was 0.0045% (95% CI: 0.0021%-0.0077%). The most frequent comorbidity in adults and children was duodenal obstruction, with a pooled prevalence of 24.04% and 52.58%, respectively (95% CI: 6.86%-46.48% and 35.56%-69.31%, respectively). The most frequent operation in adult patients with AP was duodenojejunostomy, with pooled prevalence established at 3.62% (95% CI: 0.00%-10.74%). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic complexity of AP is accentuated by its nonspecific clinical symptoms, making accurate identification reliant on imaging studies. Therefore, having a thorough knowledge of the clinical characteristics of the AP and its associated anomalies becomes paramount when faced with this rare congenital condition.

Dynamic ultrasonography for optimizing treatment position in superior mesenteric artery syndrome: Two case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare cause of duodenal obstruction by extrinsic compression between the SMA and the aorta (SMA-Ao). Although the left lateral recumbent position is considered effective in the treatment of SMA syndrome, individual variations in the optimal patient position have been noted. In this report, we present two elderly cases of SMA syndrome that exhibited rapid recovery due to ultrasonographic dynamic evaluation of the optimal position for each patient. CASE SUMMARY: Case 1: A 90-year-old man with nausea and vomiting. Following diagnosis of SMA syndrome by computed tomography (CT), ultrasonography (US) revealed the SMA-Ao distance in the supine position (4 mm), which slightly improved in the lateral position (5.7-7.0 mm) without the passage of duodenal contents. However, in the sitting position, the SMA-Ao distance was increased to 15 mm accompanied by improved content passage. Additionally, US indicated enhanced passage upon abdominal massage on the right side. By day 2, the patient could eat comfortably with the optimal position and massage. Case 2: An 87-year-old woman with vomiting. After the diagnosis of SMA syndrome and aspiration pneumonia by CT, dynamic US confirmed the optimal position (SMA-Ao distance was improved to 7 mm in forward-bent position, whereas it remained at 5 mm in the supine position). By day 7 when her pneumonia recovered, she could eat with the optimal position. CONCLUSION: The optimal position for SMA syndrome varies among individuals. Dynamic US appears to be a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.

Intestinal Atresias: A Ten-Year Evaluation of Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal bowel obstruction. Atresias are often associated with other congenital anomalies. The purpose of the study was to evaluate associated anomalies, operative management, and postoperative outcomes of infants with intestinal atresia. METHODS: A review of patients presenting to a single free-standing children's hospital from March 2012 through February 2022 was performed. The variables examined were type of atresia, additional congenital anomalies, type of operative intervention, and postoperative outcomes. Standard statistical methods were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients with intestinal atresia were identified and several of these patients had multiple atresias. Isolated duodenal atresia patients were the most common (49.3%), followed by jejunal (32%) and ileal (12%). Mixed atresias were rare at 4%, with isolated pyloric and colonic also rare at 1.3% each. Malrotation was associated with 13% of patients and equally associated with duodenal and jejunoileal atresias. A low percentage (3%) of intestinal atresias was seen in conjunction with gastroschisis and concomitant malrotation. A majority of infants with duodenal atresia underwent standard duodenoduodenostomy (19% laparoscopic, 81% open). In infants with jejunoileal atresia, most underwent resection with primary anastomosis. A tapering enteroplasty was performed primarily in 13% of atresias. There were no significant differences noted in time to first feed or length of stay between those with and without tapering enteroplasty. Eleven percent of patients required subsequent intervention for stricture or small bowel obstruction. There was one death in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with other literature, duodenal atresia was the most common type of intestinal atresia. However, we demonstrated that malrotation was equally associated with duodenal and jejunoileal atresias while prior reports had shown a higher association with duodenal atresia. In our patient population, the use of tapering enteroplasty did not appear to be associated with outcomes. Overall, these infants have a low morbidity and mortality rate with a rare need for reoperation.

Congenital duodenal obstruction repair with and without transanastomotic tube feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of transanastomotic tube (TAT) feeding in congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. PATIENTS: Infants with CDO requiring surgical repair. INTERVENTIONS: TAT feeding following CDO repair versus no TAT feeding. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was time to full enteral feeds. Additional outcomes included use of parenteral nutrition (PN), cost and complications from either TAT or central venous catheter. Meta-analyses were undertaken using random-effects models (mean difference (MD) and risk difference (RD)), and risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. RESULTS: Twelve out of 373 articles screened met the inclusion criteria. All studies were observational and two were prospective. Nine studies, containing 469 infants, were available for meta-analysis; however, four were excluded due to serious or critical risk of bias. TAT feeding was associated with reduced time to full enteral feeds (-3.34; 95% CI -4.48 to -2.20 days), reduced duration of PN (-6.32; 95% CI -7.93 to -4.71 days) and reduction in nutrition cost of £867.36 (95% CI £304.72 to £1430.00). Other outcomes were similar between those with and without a TAT including inpatient length of stay (MD -0.97 (-5.03 to 3.09) days), mortality (RD -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.01)) and requirement for repeat surgery (RD 0.01 (-0.03 to 0.05)). CONCLUSION: TAT feeding following CDO repair appears beneficial, without increased risk of adverse events; however, certainty of available evidence is low. Earlier enteral feeding and reduced PN use are known to decrease central venous catheter-associated risks while significantly reducing cost of care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022328381.

Percutaneous insertion of long-covered biliary stents in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a long-covered biliary stent in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 57 consecutive patients (34 men, 23 women; mean age, 64 years; range, 32-85 years) who presented with malignant duodenobiliary stricture between February 2019 and November 2020. All patients were treated with a long (18 or 23 cm)-covered biliary stent. RESULTS: The biliary stent deployment was technically successful in all 57 patients. The overall adverse event rate was 17.5% (10 of 57 patients). Successful internal drainage was achieved in 55 (96.5%) of 57 patients. The median patient survival and stent patency times were 99 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 58-140 days) and 73 days (95% CI, 60-86 days), respectively. Fourteen (25.5%) of the fifty-five patients presented with biliary stent dysfunction due to sludge (n = 11), tumor overgrowth (n = 1), collapse of the long biliary stent by a subsequently inserted additional duodenal stent (n = 1), or rapidly progressed duodenal cancer (n = 1). A univariate Cox proportional hazards model did not reveal any independent predictor of biliary stent patency. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous insertion of a subsequent biliary stent was technically feasible after duodenal stent insertion. Percutaneous insertion of a long-covered biliary stent was safe and effective in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture, percutaneous insertion of a long-covered biliary stent was safe and effective regardless of duodenal stent placement. KEY POINTS: • Percutaneous insertion of long-covered biliary stents in patients with malignant duodenobiliary stricture is a safe and effective procedure. • Biliary stent deployment was technically successful in all 57 patients and successful internal drainage was achieved in 55 (96.5%) of 57 patients. • The median patient survival and stent patency times were 99 days and 73 days, respectively, after placement of a long-covered biliary stent in patients with duodenobiliary stricture.

Esophageal Atresia Associated with Congenital Duodenal Obstruction: Turkish Esophageal Atresia Registry (TEAR) Evaluation.

INTRODUCTION: Coexistent congenital duodenal obstruction and esophageal atresia (EA) is known to have significant morbidity and mortality. Management strategies are not well-defined for this association. The data from the Turkish EA registry is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database search was done for the years 2015 to 2022. RESULTS: Among 857 EA patients, 31 (3.6%) had congenital duodenal obstruction. The mean birth weight was 2,104 (± 457) g with 6 babies weighing less than 1,500 g. Twenty-six (84%) had type C EA. The duodenal obstruction was complete in 15 patients and partial in 16. Other anomalies were detected in 27 (87%) patients. VACTERL-H was present in 15 (48%), anorectal malformation in 10 (32%), a major cardiac malformation in 6 (19%), and trisomy-21 in 3 (10%). Duodenal obstruction diagnosis was delayed in 10 (32%) babies for a median of 7.5 (1-109) days. Diagnosis for esophageal pathologies was delayed in 2. Among 19 babies with a simultaneous diagnosis, 1 died without surgery, 6 underwent triple repair for tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), EA, and duodenal obstruction, and 3 for TEF and duodenal obstruction in the same session. A staged repair was planned in the remaining 9 patients. In total, 15 (48%) patients received a gastrostomy, the indication was long-gap EA in 8. Twenty-five (77%) patients survived. The cause of mortality was sepsis (n = 3) and major cardiac malformations (n = 3). CONCLUSION: Congenital duodenal obstruction associated with EA is a complex problem. Delayed diagnosis is common. Management strategies regarding single-stage repairs or gastrostomy insertions vary notably depending on the patient characteristics and institutional preferences.

Spontaneous duodenal wall hematoma

59-year-old man, smoker, diabetic and hypertensive. He went to the ER due to fixed abdominal pain in the epigastrium, diaphoresis, dizziness, nausea, and "coffee grounds" vomiting. On examination he presented abdominal distension and pain on palpation in the epigastrium, without peritonism. He had a BP of 235/100 mmHg and in the blood-tests, leukocytosis with neutrophilia and normal hemoglobin. An urgent abdominal CT scan was performed, identifying a 5x6 cm nodular lesion of homogeneous density attached to the wall of the second and third duodenal portions that compressed the lumen, with two vessels with active bleeding within it. Therefore, percutaneous embolization of the gastroduodenal artery was performed. Subsequently, the patient suffered an episode of severe acute pancreatitis that required ICU admission. Finally, he presented a good clinical evolution with ceasing of pain, complete reabsorption of the hematoma and resolution of the obstructive symptoms. (AU)

Enhanced recovery after surgery in congenital duodenal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to explore the clinical application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in pediatric patients with congenital upper gastrointestinal obstruction (CUGIO). METHODS: A total of 82 pediatric patients with CUGIO admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Kunming Children's Hospital between June 2017 and June 2021 were enrolled in the present study and divided into two groups: the ERAS group (n = 46) and the control group (n = 36). The ERAS management mode was adopted in the ERAS group, and the conventional perioperative management mode was adopted in the control group. RESULTS: In the ERAS group and the control group, the time to the first postoperative bowel movement was 49.2 ± 16.6 h and 58.4 ± 18.8 h, respectively, and the time to the first postoperative feeding was 79 ± 7.1 h and 125.2 ± 8.3 h, respectively. The differences in the above two indicators between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the ERAS group, the days of parenteral nutrition and the length of hospital stay were 14.5 ± 2.3 d and 18.8 ± 6.4 d, respectively. In the control group, 17.6 ± 2.2 d and 23.1 ± 8.1 d, respectively. The differences in these two indicators between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The ERAS management model had a positive effect on early postoperative recovery in pediatric patients with CUGIO.

Congenital duodenal web causing partial obstruction with recurrent vomiting and abdominal distention in a toddler boy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The duodenal web is a thin, elongated, web-like structure that is one of the factors contributing to duodenal obstruction. Only 100 cases have been reported in the literature. We present a 2.5-year-old cachectic Afghan child who did not have any overt signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction, like recurrent vomiting, abdominal distention, and weight loss. The web was discovered near the intersection of the third and fourth portions, which is an uncommon location for the duodenal web. The late presentation of congenital duodenal web with partial obstruction is rare but well-known and has been reported in this case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2.5-year-old cachectic Afghan child who had recurrent vomiting and experienced abdominal distention was brought to Maiwand Teaching Hospital from the Jabelsuraj region of Parwan province. The patient was suffering from unusual signs and symptoms like recurrent vomiting, abdominal distention, weight loss, and constipation. The diagnosis of these anomalies was established by a detailed history, clinical features, and abdominal CT scan. In the computerized tomography scanning (CT-Scan) image reported, there was a web with stenosis and partial obstruction in the distal aspect of the third-to-fourth portion of the duodenum. After preoperative stabilization, the child was taken for surgery. The abdomen was opened by a right upper abdominal transverse incision. After web resection and duodenoplasty, the patient was shifted to the recovery room in satisfactory condition. The child was allowed to feed after 8 days, which he tolerated well. CONCLUSION: Congenital duodenal web with partial obstruction is typically observed in the second and third years of life. It is suspected in patients with recurrent vomiting, abdominal distention, weight loss, and constipation. Partial obstruction may not have an overt presentation, making it a challenging diagnosis for general practitioners. Abdomen X-ray and CT scan usually confirm the diagnosis, and successful surgical intervention is recommended.

A rare occurrence of multiple intestinal atresias, with successful one-procedure resection and primary anastomosis.

SUMMARY: Intestinal atresia is a common cause of neonatal bowel obstruction. Many theories exist relating to intestinal atresia, though the best explanation is related to vascular events. Duodenal atresia is thought to be due to a developmental anomaly of the intestine. A rare combination of concomitant Type III duodenal atresia, Type III B jejunal atresia, and Type I ileal atresia is presented. The differing pathogenesis of these atresias makes the condition exceptionally rare. This patient was successfully treated, via explorative laparotomy, with resection of the atretic segments and two primary anastomoses, without the need for enterostomies or stents.

Aorto-mesenteric compass syndrome (Wilkie's syndrome) in the differential diagnosis of chronic abdominal pain.

A woman in her 40s was admitted to hospital with weight loss, asthenia, persistent abdominal pain and post-prandial nausea and vomiting. Other comorbidities were anxiety-depressive disorder, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and fibrocystic mastopathy. On admission her body mass index (BMI) was 15.57 kg/m2 with a reported weight loss of 6 kg during the last 3 months. The patient underwent a double contrast abdominal CT scan, which showed that the third portion of the duodenum appeared to be compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, a conservative approach and nutritional supplementation was decided upon and administered. At the 1-year follow-up the symptoms had greatly improved; the epigastric pain, although persistent, was reduced, also due to the weight gain to 50 kg (BMI 19.5 kg/m2). Wilkie's syndrome, in its acquired form, predominantly affects young women after rapid weight loss. In the diagnostic work-up, case history, physical examination and radiological findings play a key role.