A Clinical Review of Symptomatic Intestinal Malrotation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Intestinal malrotation can have variable clinical presentations, and is a disease that may cause bilious vomiting. This study was performed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with symptomatic intestinal malrotation. METHODS: From Jan 2001 to Dec 2005, 11 cases of malrotation, receiving surgical procedure, and were retrospectively reviewed for their clinical characteristics. RESULTS: There were 8 male (72.7%) and 3 female (27.3%) patients. At the time of the operation, 10 patients (90.9%) were in the neonatal period. According to the clinical manifestations, bilious vomiting was seen in all cases (100%), with other symptoms (fever, lethargy and abdominal distention) observed in certain cases. Of the several diagnostic tools available, abdominal sonography and UGI series showed sensitivities of 100%. According to the operative findings, 6 cases (54.5%) had malrotation only, with the other 5 (45.5%) having additional midgut volvulus. The Ladd procedure was routinely performed in all cases, with additional detorsion or bowel resection performed in the cases of malrotation with midgut volvulus. After a definite procedure, an adhesive intestinal obstruction developed in 3 cases (27.3%), with surgical correction for the obstruction performed in one case. There were no cases of mortality. CONCLUSION: Intestinal malrotation could be of preferential concern for those neonates presenting with bilious vomiting. The proper diagnosis, via abdominal sonography, and early surgical management for intestinal malrotation will show a good result.