Enteric duplication in children: A case series

Enteric duplication (ED) cysts include a wide variety of cystic lesions, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They can be referred to foregut, midgut, hindgut derived, depending upon the portion of GIT involved. The main purpose of this study was to document the variety of presentation, investigations, and treatment options employed.

This was a retrospective study at Paediatric Surgery Department of Services Hospital, Lahore from August, 2011 to August, 2013. The details of all the patients, including gender, and age, presenting complaint, abdominal examination findings, diagnostic modality, site, type, associated malformations, surgical option, and outcome were analysed.

A total of eight patients with histopathological diagnosis of EDs managed were included in the study. Of these eight patients, six were males and two were females, with an average age of 2.4 years. The main diagnostic tool used was ultrasound in almost all patients. The most commonly involved site was ileum in 5 of 8 (62.5%) patients. Two cases had gastric involvement, while one patient had involvement of the descending colon. Six of eight were of tubular type (75%), while remaining 2 (25%) were of cystic type. Excision was possible in all these patients.

ED can present with a wide spectrum of symptomatology. It can present as mass abdomen, intestinal obstruction or even can mimic as hydrocoele. High index of suspicion is therefore required. Ultimate aim of treatment is excision of cyst with preservation of vascularity of native gut.