[Megaduodenum in chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: management by duodenectomy-duodenoplasty]

Surgical management of primitive chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction involving the duodenum (megaduodenum) is an uncommon but still difficult problem.

Six patients who experienced severe symptoms were managed by an original surgical procedure including partial duodenal resection and reconstruction of a duodenal tract using a large duodenal anastomosis (duodenectomy-duodenoplasty).

There was no postoperative complication. All preoperative symptoms completely regressed in all but one patient who had previously undergone a vagotomy and experienced transient early post-operative gastric stasis. With a median follow-up of 6 years (range 4-9), all patients had good functional results without any evidence of other motility disorders. The mean weight gain was 10 kg (range 7-15).

Duodenectomy-duodenoplasty is a safe procedure resulting in efficient symptom relief in patients suffering from megaduodenum.