Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sutured Anastomosis of the Duodenum in Children / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic sutured anastomosis of the duodenum for children with congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO). Methods From February 2003 to July 2008,13 patients (aged 2 days to 12 years) with CDO underwent laparoscopic sutured anastomosis of the duodenum in our hospital. Among the cases,7 were newborns,3 were infants,and 3 were children. Laparoscopy showed duodenal atresia or stenosis in 7 cases,annular pancreas in 2 cases,superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) in 3 cases,and preduodenal portal vein in 1 case. Results Excepting the patient with preduodenal portal vein,who was converted to mini-laparotomy for duodenojejunostomy,all the cases were treated by laparoscopy. In 5 cases,the diaphragm was excised partially after a vertical incision was made at the anterior part of the duodenum,and then a transverse suture was completed; the 2 patients with duodenal atresia and the 2 with annular pancreas received diamond-shaped side-to-side duodenoduodenal anastomosis under a laparoscope; and the 3 cases of SMAS were treated by Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy. The mean operation time in this series was (97.0?18.2) min (range,75 to 180 min). No intraoperative complications occurred. The patients started oral intake in 2 to 5 days after the surgery,and resume a normal diet in 7 to 9 days. Before being discharged from the hospital,upper gastrointestinal tract imaging showed no evidence of obstruction in the patients.A follow-up up to 6 months to 4 years were available in 11 patients,among which 8 were followed for more than 1 year. During the period,the patient developed well. Conclusions The laparoscopic sutured anastomosis of the duodenum is feasible and effective for children. It can be performed in neonates securely as an excellent minimally invasive treatment for congenital duodenal obstruction.