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Multiple intestinal duplications in a child with thoracic myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus
Insights
A rare case of infant spina bifida presented with both thoracic gastric duplication and small bowel duplication. Surgical intervention successfully removed the intrathoracic duplication and treated the intra-abdominal malformation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Malformations
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Spina bifida, myelomeningocele, and hydrocephalus are complex congenital conditions requiring multidisciplinary management.
- Gastrointestinal duplications are rare congenital anomalies that can occur anywhere along the alimentary tract.
Observation:
- An infant diagnosed with thoracic spina bifida, myelomeningocele, and hydrocephalus also exhibited intrathoracic gastric duplication and a noncontiguous tubular duplication of the small bowel.
- The myelomeningocele defect was surgically closed, and hydrocephalus was managed with a shunt.
Findings:
- Complete excision of the intrathoracic gastric duplication was achieved.
- The intra-abdominal small bowel duplication was successfully treated by stripping the mucosal lining, preserving the external duplication structure.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of thorough investigation for associated gastrointestinal anomalies in infants with complex congenital conditions.
- The described surgical technique for intra-abdominal duplication offers a less invasive approach compared to complete resection.
Abstract:
An infant with thoracic spina bifida, myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus was found to have intrathoracic gastric duplication and noncontiguous tubular duplication along two-thirds of the small bowel. The myelomeningocele was closed and the hydrocephalus relieved with a shunt. The intrathoracic duplication was excised in toto and the intra-abdominal malformation successfully treated by stripping the entire mucosal tube from within the duplication.