No safe time window in malrotation and volvulus: A consecutive cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Malrotation and volvulus classically present with bilious vomiting. It is more common earlier in life, but there are other causes of bile-stained vomiting. This leads some clinicians to 'watch and wait'. In the presence of a volvulus, this is potentially a fatal decision. It is not clear from the literature if there is a safe time window in which children can be observed in the hope of avoiding transfers or radiological investigations. AIM: To determine whether time to identification and management of midgut volvulus correlated with morbidity and mortality; and whether there were patterns to transition of care. METHODS: Multicentre, retrospective review of all children with malrotation ± volvulus at two tertiary children's hospitals in Brisbane from 2000 to 2012. Data collected included age at presentation, timing between symptom onset and presentation, radiological findings, and definitive surgical management. Outcomes included patient length of stay (LOS), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration, re-operations and death. RESULTS: There were 96 cases of malrotation identified, with 23 excluded (elective operation, insufficient data). Neonates made up 66% of included cases. Only 14% of cases were over 12 months old. Bilious vomiting or bile-stained aspirates were the presenting symptoms in 71% (52). Overall mortality was 5.56%. Time from symptom onset to presentation or management was not significantly associated with morbidity or mortality. More than half (53%, 39/73) of patients received total parenteral nutrition; 20/39 for more than 10 days. Neonates and infants had a significantly higher rate of TPN compared with older children (P < 0.001). Those requiring TPN post-operatively had a significantly higher mortality compared with those who did not (P = 0.02). Time from symptom onset to presentation or definitive management was not significantly associated with LOS, TPN duration, or need for re-operation. CONCLUSION: Malrotation remains a time-critical diagnosis to secure and treat. Even a short duration of symptoms can be associated with high morbidity or mortality. There is no place for 'watch and wait' for such patients, and malrotation/volvulus should be emergently actively excluded with contrast studies.

The performance of ultrasound and upper gastrointestinal study in diagnosing malrotation in children, with or without volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Rapid diagnosis is crucial for pediatric patients with midgut volvulus and malrotation to prevent serious complications. While the upper gastrointestinal study (UGIS) is the traditional method, the use of ultrasound (US) is gaining prominence. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of US compared to UGIS for malrotation and midgut volvulus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed on 68 pediatric patients who underwent US and/or UGIS before surgery for suspected midgut volvulus or malrotation in Kuala Lumpur (PPUKM and HTA), referencing surgical outcomes as the gold standard. RESULTS: US demonstrated a higher specificity (100%) than UGIS (83%) for diagnosing malrotation, with a slightly lower sensitivity (97% vs. 100%). For midgut volvulus, US surpassed UGIS in sensitivity (92.9% vs. 66.7%) while maintaining comparable specificity. The SMA/SMV criteria showed better sensitivity (91.1%) than the D3 assessment (78.9%) on US, though both had high specificity. CONCLUSION: US is equivalent to UGIS for identifying malrotation and is more sensitive for detecting midgut volvulus, supporting its use as a primary diagnostic tool. The study advocates for combined US and UGIS when either yields inconclusive results, optimizing diagnostic precision for these conditions.

The Dual Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) in Sepsis and Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Comparative Analysis across Murine Models.

A better understanding of the function of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may facilitate the development of interventions for sepsis. The study aims to investigate the formation and degradation of NETs in three murine sepsis models and to analyze the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during NET formation. Murine sepsis was induced by midgut volvulus (720° for 15 min), cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), or the application of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 mg/kg body weight i.p.). NET formation and degradation was modulated using mice that were genetically deficient for peptidyl arginine deiminase-4 (PAD4-KO) or DNase1 and 1L3 (DNase1/1L3-DKO). After 48 h, mice were killed. Plasma levels of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and neutrophil elastase (NE) were quantified to assess NET formation and degradation. Plasma deoxyribonuclease1 (DNase1) protein levels, as well as tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, were quantified. DNase1 and DNase1L3 in liver, intestine, spleen, and lung tissues were assessed. The applied sepsis models resulted in a simultaneous increase in NET formation and oxidative stress. NET formation and survival differed in the three models. In contrast to LPS and Volvulus, CLP-induced sepsis showed a decreased and increased 48 h survival in PAD4-KO and DNase1/1L3-DKO mice, when compared to WT mice, respectively. PAD4-KO mice showed decreased formation of NETs and ROS, while DNase1/1L3-DKO mice with impaired NET degradation accumulated ROS and chronicled the septic state. The findings indicate a dual role for NET formation and degradation in sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury: NETs seem to exhibit a protective capacity in certain sepsis paradigms (CLP model), whereas, collectively, they seem to contribute adversely to scenarios where sepsis is combined with ischemia-reperfusion (volvulus).

Upper gastrointestinal series in healthy neonates with bilious vomiting-is it still obvious? A retrospective observational study.

AIM: Demand for upper gastrointestinal contrast series (UGI) to investigate bilious vomiting (BV) has increased in recent years, mostly due to greater awareness of the need to rule out malrotation and midgut volvulus (MGV). We aimed to examine predictive value of clinical parameters in the management of healthy neonates presenting with BV and re-assess the role of UGI in their management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including medical, imaging and surgical data of neonates who underwent UGI due to BV. RESULTS: A total of 157 term neonates, eight neonates (5.1%) had confirmed surgical diagnosis of malrotation, five of them had malrotation with MGV, including two neonates who underwent extensive intestinal resection due to necrosis. Neonates with a combination of abnormal plain radiograph and abdominal distention had 10 times higher odds of malrotation diagnosis, adjusting for age at first BV (p = 0.017). Neonates with a combination of abnormal plain radiograph, abdominal distention and abdominal tenderness had 25 times higher odds of MGV (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study reaffirms the role of UGI as the current main diagnostic tool for malrotation and MGV. Physical examination and plain radiograph findings can help but cannot substitute UGI study.

Factors associated with diagnostic ultrasound for midgut volvulus and relevance of the non-diagnostic examination.

BACKGROUND: Few reports explore the frequency and factors associated with diagnostic ultrasound (US) for midgut volvulus. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictive factors for diagnostic US for midgut volvulus and clinical outcomes of patients with non-diagnostic US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included infants imaged for midgut volvulus with US. Exams were rated as diagnostic (midgut volvulus present or absent) or non-diagnostic by a pediatric radiologist, and in cases of disagreement with the original report, an additional pediatric radiologist was the tie-breaker. For each exam, the following were recorded: age, weight, respiratory support, exam indication, sonographer experience, and gaseous dilated bowel loops on radiography. Logistic regression models with "stepwise" variable selection were used to investigate the association of diagnostic US for midgut volvulus with each of the independent variables. RESULTS: One hundred nineteen patients were imaged. US was diagnostic in 74% (88/119) of patients. In subsets of patients presenting with bilious emesis or age <28 days, US was diagnostic in 92% (22/24) and 90% (53/59), respectively. Logistic regression suggested that symptom type (bilious vs other) was the best predictor of diagnostic US (type 3 P=0.02). Out of 26 patients with available radiographs, US was diagnostic in 92% (12/13) of patients without bowel dilation on radiographs compared to 62% (8/13) of patients with bowel dilation (P=0.16). Weight, respiratory support, and sonographer experience did not differ between groups. Two sick neonates, ages 2 days and 30 days, in whom the primary clinical concern was dropping hematocrit and sepsis, respectively, had non-diagnostic ultrasounds in the setting of bowel dilation on radiography. Both were found to have midgut volvulus at surgery and both expired. CONCLUSION: US was most frequently diagnostic in patients with bilious emesis or age less than 28 days. Non-diagnostic US for midgut volvulus must prompt a predetermined follow-up strategy, such as an additional imaging study (e.g., upper GI series), particularly in a sick child, as non-diagnostic US may miss midgut volvulus.

Predictive factors of bowel resection for midgut volvulus based on an analysis of bi-center experiences in southern Japan.

PURPOSE: Midgut volvulus is an urgent disease often occurring in neonates. This study clarified the clinical features of midgut volvulus and evaluated predictors to avoid bowel resection. METHODS: This bi-center retrospective study enrolled 48 patients who underwent surgery for intestinal malrotation between 2010 and 2022. Patients' background characteristics and preoperative imaging findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Midgut volvulus was recognized in 32 patients (66.7%), and 6 (12.5%) underwent bowel resection. Based on a receiver operating curve analysis of bowel resection, the cut-off value of the body weight at birth and at operation were 1984 g [area under the curve (AUC) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.99] and 2418 g (AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.46-0.94), respectively. The cut-off value of intestinal torsion was 540° (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-0.95), and that of the time from the onset to the diagnosis was 12 h (AUC 0.85, 95% CI 0.72-0.98). For midgut volvulus with an intestinal torsion > 540°, the most sensitive preoperative imaging test was ultrasonography (75%) Patients with bloody stool tended to undergo bowel resection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a low body weight and bloody stool should be confirmed to have whirlpool sign by ultrasonography and scheduled for surgery as soon as possible.

A Novel Technique of SMA Massage with Systemic Fibrinolytic Therapy in Ischemic Midgut Volvulus: As a Lifesaving Last Expedient.

Purpose: Midgut volvulus is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Intestinal ischemia of the midgut as a consequence of volvulus from malrotation is a fateful event with high mortality and significant morbidity even in survivors. Derotation followed by correction of malrotation is the procedure of choice though has significant morbidity if intestinal reperfusion was not successful. A combined treatment to restore intestinal perfusion based on the digital massage of the superior mesenteric artery after derotation and systemic infusion of fibrinolytic has been previously reported with success but underused. Here, we report three such cases of midgut malrotation with severe intestinal ischemia due to volvulus. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of three confirmed cases of midgut malrotation with volvulus managed with emergency laparotomy, derotation, and Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) massage with systemic fibrinolytic therapy, followed by correction of malrotation was evaluated. Results: There was dramatic improvement in intestinal perfusion noted in all three patients inspite of delayed presentation. 2 out of 3 patients on follow up are doing well with adequate weight gain while 1 patient succumbed due to sepsis. Conclusion: Critical intestinal ischemia due to mesenteric thrombosis can persist after derotation of midgut volvulus and can lead to devastating consequences. The use of digital massage of SMA to disrupt the thrombus along with fibrinolytic therapy though reported is underutilized. Hence, awareness of this management and usage needs to be re-emphasized.

Ultrasound for Midgut Malrotation and Midgut Volvulus: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review.

Midgut volvulus in association with malrotation is a pediatric surgical emergency. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is necessary to avoid bowel ischemia and necrosis, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Historically, the fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal series has been the preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of both midgut malrotation and volvulus, although the use of ultrasound (US) is increasing. In this Narrative Review, we describe the findings of midgut malrotation and volvulus on US, including practical tips for acquisition and interpretation; discuss the advantages and challenges of both imaging modalities; and propose a path and safeguards for possible transition to the use of US as the first-line modality for diagnosis based on our experience in imaging children with midgut malrotation and volvulus.

Distinguishing outcomes of neonatal intestinal volvulus: Review of our experience over the last 20 years.

AIM: There are two types of intestinal volvulus: midgut (MGV) and segmental (SV). Patients with different types of intestinal volvulus are often included in the same case series, which may affect the perception of how severe "intestinal volvuli" are. We aimed to compare both types of intestinal volvulus. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study including all patients with MGV and SV up to 28 days of life admitted to a tertiary hospital in Spain over a 20-year-period (1999-2019). A comparison between groups and a logistic regression model for mortality were done. RESULTS: We identified 32 patients: 23 MGV and 9 SV. Malrotation was exclusive of MGV. Prenatal diagnosis, cystic fibrosis, and intestinal resection were significantly more frequent in SV. Surgery was performed at a significantly lower age in SV. The mortality observed in acute MGV with intestinal compromise (41.7%) is four times higher than the mortality of SV (11.1%). The overall mortality of all MGV patients (21.7%) is almost twice that of SV. Mortality was best predicted by the presence of hemodynamic instability (OR 27.5 95% CI 2.50-302.17; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: SV and MGV have a different clinical presentation. Hemodynamic instability is the major risk factor for death.

A Rare Case of Malrotation and Midgut Volvulus with Whirlpool Sign.

We report a rare case of midgut malrotation and volvulus with "whirlpool sign" in a new-born infant. The "whirlpool sign" is an imaging characteristic of midgut volvulus and has a high predicting value for volvulus. Malrotation or malrotation with volvulus can be effectively diagnosed based on these characteristics. Ultrasound diagnosis has the advantage of no radiation exposure. Color Doppler documenting the reversal or aberrant superior mesenteric vein/superior mesenteric artery axis is not only predictive but also diagnostic of malrotation of gut. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of volvulus by ultrasound helps to establish the diagnosis of malrotation in time and thus allows for urgent surgical intervention to avoid bowel necrosis.

Remote ischemic conditioning avoids the development of intestinal damage after ischemia reperfusion by reducing intestinal inflammation and increasing intestinal regeneration.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Midgut volvulus is a potentially life-threatening condition which is based on intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Remote ischemia conditioning (RIC) applied to a limb can protect distant organs such as heart and kidney. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of RIC on a model of midgut volvulus and to explore its underlying mechanism of action. METHODS: Six-weeks old C57BL/6 mice were studied: (a) sham (n = 4): laparotomy alone. (b) Intestinal I/R injury (n = 5): occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 45 min followed by reperfusion. (c) Intestinal I/R (as in group above) with RIC immediately after reperfusion (n = 5). RIC consisted of 4 cycles of 5 min hind limb ischemia followed by 5 min reperfusion. 24-h after laparotomy, animals were euthanized, and the small intestine (same distance from cecum) was harvested. The intestine was examined for inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), epithelial proliferation marker Ki67 and stem cell marker Lgr5 expression. MAIN RESULTS: Compared to sham, the small intestine of IR mice had more intestinal damage, increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, decreased intestinal proliferation and stem cell activity. RIC significantly counteracted all these changes. CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemia conditioning avoids intestinal damage due to I/R injury. This beneficial effect is associated with decreased intestinal inflammation and enhanced intestinal regeneration. This study implicates that RIC is a novel non-invasive intervention to reduce the intestinal damage occurring in midgut volvulus.

A case of reversed intestinal rotation revealed by volvulus in adult: anatomo-radiological correlations.

We report a case of reversed rotation (RR) of the midgut, the rarest form of intestinal malrotation (IMR), revealed by a chronic volvulus, in a 42-year-old woman presenting with episodes of abdominal pain occurring after heavy meals. The complete preoperative diagnosis was obtained by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Classical signs of volvulus were associated with typical findings of RR comprising an unusual position of the third duodenum in front of the mesenteric vessels and a very unusual location of the transverse colon behind these vessels. Complete absence of fixation of the right colon allowed secondary volvulus. A detailed reminder of the embryology of IMR and RR is presented.

Prenatal diagnosis of midgut volvulus with jejunal atresia by ultrasonography.

Prenatal midgut volvulus is difficult to diagnose, and it is particularly difficult to evaluate the degree of rotation, which may be related to prognosis. We present a rare case of prenatal midgut volvulus with a 720° rotation around the superior mesenteric artery diagnosed based on ultrasonography, and jejunal atresia was noted at the same time. This condition was supported by prenatal magnetic resonance imaging and the subsequent postnatal operation. To the best of our knowledge, there is no previous literature describing similar ultrasound findings in the prenatal period. Recognition of the color Doppler ultrasound imaging findings can help elucidate the relationship among the twisted vessels of midgut volvulus during the prenatal examination.

Primary midgut volvulus without intestinal malrotation in a young adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Midgut volvulus is a rare cause of acute abdomen characterized by a twisting of the entire small intestine around its mesenteric pedicle. It is a well-known complication of intestinal malrotation usually occurring in infants and young children. We report a rare case of a midgut volvulus without any underlying condition occurring in a young adult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old male was admitted to our surgical department with symptoms and signs of small bowel obstruction. The abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed dilatation of the entire small intestine and a rotation of the mesentery. The patient underwent an urgent explorative laparoscopy with conversion to median laparotomy, revealing a midgut volvulus with marked intestinal ischemia. Mesenteric fixation was normal but the mesenteric pedicle was described as relatively narrow. The midgut volvulus was untwisted with subsequent recovery of the intestinal ischemia. RESULTS: The postoperative period was marked by prolonged ileus requiring nasogastric tube decompression that gradually resolved after 1 week. The patient was discharged on the tenth postoperative day. He had fully resumed his daily activities 1 month after surgery and had experienced no recurrent symptoms 6 months later. CONCLUSION: Primary midgut volvulus is an extremely rare condition that must be considered in all young adults presenting with intestinal obstruction without previous abdominal surgery. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are the key factors to a successful outcome.

Intestinal malrotation needs immediate consideration and investigation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, and volvulus rate and to describe the unusual clinical clues of intestinal malrotation. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive review was carried out of all patients diagnosed with intestinal malrotation between 2002 and 2014. Patients were divided into two groups: infants (≤1 year, n = 16; group 1); and children (>1 year, n = 12; group 2). Patient demographics, clinical history, symptoms, physical examination, diagnostic work-up, operative findings and early outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Bilious vomiting was the cardinal complaint in both groups. Unusual symptoms such as respiratory insufficiency, dehydration, afebrile convulsion, and lethargy were prominent symptoms in six patients in group 1, whereas history of frequent hospitalization due to recurrent abdominal pain and feeding intolerance were prominent in six patients in group 2. Midgut volvulus was identified in 15 patients, four of whom were in group 2. Standard Ladd's procedure was done in addition to correction of volvulus. CONCLUSION: Malrotation with or without midgut volvulus is not a rare condition and should be kept in mind for any age group. Specific signs of diagnosis are not easily identified. In the case of unusual clinical presentation, diagnosis may be delayed and can result in catastrophic consequences if intestinal perfusion occurs. Although midgut volvulus is seen most frequently in infants, risk and complication rate are high beyond 1 year of age as well, and can manifest as failure to thrive, food intolerance, and abdominal pain needing recurrent hospitalization. Diagnostic suspicion and interdisciplinary coordination are essential for timely diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Full-thickness small intestine necrosis with midgut volvulus, distributed in a patchy fashion, is reversible with moderate blood flow: resumption of normal function to non-viable intestine.

Midgut volvulus is a highly life-threatening condition that carries a high risk of short gut syndrome. We report a case of catastrophic neonatal midgut volvulus in which second-look laparotomy revealed apparently non-viable remnant small intestine but with a moderate blood supply. Full-thickness small intestine necrosis was distributed in a patchy fashion, with non-viable and necrotic areas distributed so widely that no portion of the intestine could be resected. A section of full-thickness necrotic intestine preserved at surgery was able to regenerate, and normal function was restored over a period of 1 month. This case indicated that intestinal resumption may be dependent on blood flow. Even when intestinal viability is questionable, preservation enables the chance of regeneration if moderate blood flow is present.

Midgut volvulus in an adult without significant intestinal obstruction: A case report.

Mid gut volvulus is a rare clinical presentation in adults though it frequently occurs in infants and children. We report a case of 30 years male (post renal transplant patient) who presented with symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting for 3 days. After demonstration of twisting of bowel loops around mesenteric vessels on Ultrasonography (USG). Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) abdomen was done which showed small bowel malrotation, inverted relation of Superior mesenteric artery-Superior mesenteric vein and whirl pool sign of midgut volvulus. However, no significant bowel obstruction was noted. Patient underwent explorative laparotomy with ladd's procedure. Post-operatively, it was uneventful. Patient became symptoms free and was discharged after 5 days of surgery. Intestinal malrotation is a congenital abnormality that arises from disrupting the 270◦ counterclockwise midgut rotation during the embryonic period. In our case malrotation was predisposing factor for volvulus. CECT abdomen is the imaging procedure of choice in adults. Ladd's procedure is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients though it remains controversial in asymptomatic patients. Though midgut volvulus is rare in adults, it should be kept as differential in adults with symptoms of intestinal obstruction and workup should be done accordingly.

Identification and treatment of intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus in childhood: a multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Intestinal malrotation is a rare condition, and its delayed diagnosis can lead to fatal consequences. This study aimed to investigate the identification and treatment of malrotation in children. Methods: Clinical data, imaging, operative findings, and early postoperative outcomes of 75 children with malrotation were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean age was 6.18 ± 4.93 days and 51.26 ± 70.13 months in the neonatal group (56 patients) and non-neonatal group (19 patients), respectively. Sixty-seven patients were under the age of 1 year at the time of diagnosis. The occurrence of bilious vomiting and jaundice was significantly higher in the neonatal group (89.29%) than that in the non-neonatal group (37.5%), p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. The incidence of abnormal ultrasound (US) findings was 97.30% and 100%, respectively, and the sensitivities of the upper gastrointestinal series were 84.21% and 87.5%, respectively. Sixty-six (88%) patients had midgut volvulus, including in utero volvulus (two patients) and irreversible intestinal ischemia (four patients). Most neonates (89.29%) underwent open Ladd's procedure with a shorter operative time (p < 0.01). Reoperation was performed for postoperative complications (four patients) or missed comorbidities (two patients). Conclusions: Non-bilious vomiting was the initial symptom in >10% of neonates and nearly 40% of non-neonates. This highlights the importance for emergency physicians and surgeons to be cautious about ruling out malrotation in patients with non-bilious vomiting. Utilizing US can obviate the need for contrast examinations owing to its higher diagnostic accuracy and rapid diagnosis and can be recommended as a first-line imaging technique. Additionally, open surgery is still an option for neonatal patients.

Impact of Focused Abdominal Ultrasound Utilization on Outcomes for Children With Midgut Volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is gaining acceptance for the evaluation of midgut volvulus in children. However, its impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. We aim to determine whether using US as a first-line modality changes imaging mobilization, time to surgery and re-feeding, length of stay, and frequency of bowel necrosis, short bowel syndrome, and death. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary pediatric institution. Eighty children with surgically confirmed midgut volvulus from 2014 to 2021 were compared before and after implementation of US as first-line imaging and based on the modality used to diagnose midgut volvulus. RESULTS: Outcomes were not statistically different pre- versus post-implementation. Compared with patients who had UGI only, those who had US only or both had significantly quicker imaging mobilization (median: -33 min; 95% CI: -61.2, -4.8; p = 0.023 and median: -31 min; 95% CI: -58.5, -3.6; p = 0.028 respectively). Patients with US only were less likely to have bowel necrosis compared with those who had UGI only (9.1% versus 43.8%, p = 0.042). Patients who had US only or both were less likely to develop short bowel syndrome compared to UGI only (4.8% US only, 0% both, 40% UGI only; p = 0.027 for US only, p = 0.005 for both). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant change in outcomes was found after implementation of US as first-line imaging for midgut volvulus. However, patients diagnosed with US only or US in combination with UGI had quicker imaging mobilization and decreased frequency of bowel necrosis and short bowel syndrome. Findings suggest that US has potential to improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.