The late nonfunctioning duodenal atresia repair.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Duodenal atresia is a congenital condition requiring surgical correction, typically duodenoduodenostomy.
• Postoperative complications can include anastomotic obstruction, necessitating further intervention.

Observation:

• Three male infants underwent duodenoduodenostomy for duodenal atresia without other anomalies.
• All developed anastomotic obstruction between 6 and 18 months postoperatively.

Findings:

• Initial conservative management (nasogastric suction) failed in all cases.
• Two infants required multiple revisions and bypass procedures with prolonged recovery.
• The third infant was successfully treated with plication of the dilated proximal duodenum.

Implications:

• Duodenoduodenostomy for duodenal atresia may result in late functional obstruction.
• Plication of the dilated proximal duodenum is a viable and effective treatment for this specific complication.
• This approach may reduce the need for complex revisions and prolonged recovery in affected infants.