Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Postoperative Ileus Murine Model
Published on: July 12, 2024
[Mechanical ileus in children with no prior history of abdominal surgery]
Daan van Poll1, Sjoerd A de Beer, Justin R de Jong
1Academisch Medisch Centrum en VUmc, Kinderchirurgisch Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam.
Insights
Mechanical ileus in children can stem from congenital issues like malrotation or omphalomesenteric duct issues, or acquired causes. Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric intestinal obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Mechanical ileus in children without prior abdominal surgery can arise from congenital anomalies or acquired conditions.
- Congenital causes include malrotation with volvulus and persistent omphalomesenteric duct.
- Acquired causes may involve conditions like sigmoid volvulus.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of mechanical ileus are presented.
- Case 1: A 6-year-old boy with acute abdominal pain and vomiting underwent omphalomesenteric duct resection.
- Case 2: A 9-year-old boy with progressive abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, and deterioration was diagnosed with malrotation and volvulus.
Findings:
- Both cases required emergency laparotomy for diagnosis and treatment.
- Surgical intervention successfully resolved the mechanical obstruction in both children.
- Prompt surgical management is vital for preventing severe complications.
Implications:
- Early surgical intervention is critical for children presenting with symptoms suggestive of mechanical obstruction.
- Timely management can avert catastrophic outcomes associated with congenital or acquired intestinal obstruction.
- This highlights the importance of prompt surgical evaluation for pediatric abdominal emergencies.
Abstract:
In children with no prior history of abdominal surgery and no signs of intussusception or incarcerated inguinal hernia, mechanical ileus may have a congenital cause such as malrotation with volvulus or a persistent omphalomesenteric duct. Acquired causes include sigmoid volvulus. We present two cases of mechanical ileus in children. The first case involved a 6-year-old boy who presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting. An emergency laparotomy was performed, with resection of the omphalomesenteric duct. Recovery was uneventful. The other case concerned a 9-year-old boy who presented with increasing abdominal pain, bilious vomiting and general clinical deterioration. An emergency laparotomy was performed, revealing malrotation with volvulus and intestinal ischaemia. Children with no prior abdominal history who present with symptoms that may be caused by mechanical obstruction should be managed with a view to surgery and without delay, in order to prevent a catastrophic outcome resulting from a congenital or acquired mechanical obstruction.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....