Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
Tissue Engineering of the Intestine in a Murine Model
Published on: December 1, 2012
A retrospective analysis of alimentary tract duplications in pediatric patients: a 14-year single-center experience
Francesca Destro1, Michela Marinaro2, Eleonora Durante2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Buzzi Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy. Francesca_destro@hotmail.com.
Insights
Alimentary tract duplications (ATDs) are rare congenital anomalies. This study highlights their varied presentation, associated malformations, and the importance of tailored surgical management for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Congenital Anomalies
- Gastrointestinal Malformations
Background:
- Alimentary tract duplications (ATDs) are uncommon congenital malformations.
- ATDs frequently coexist with other anomalies, including spinal, urinary, and gastrointestinal tract malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a single-center experience with pediatric ATDs.
- To analyze the natural history, associated malformations, and management strategies for ATDs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 14 years of patient data.
- Inclusion of prenatal, clinical, surgical, and follow-up information.
- Focus on associated anomalies and management outcomes.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three pediatric patients with ATDs were analyzed.
- Prenatal diagnosis occurred in 35% of cases; 15.8% had associated anomalies.
- Surgical management varied based on diagnosis timing and clinical presentation.
Conclusions:
- ATD presentation is diverse, necessitating individualized surgical approaches.
- Understanding embryology is crucial for effective surgical planning.
- Management should prioritize the child's developmental stage.
Purpose:
Alimentary tract duplications (ATDs) are rare congenital lesions often associated with anomalies such as spinal, urinary and GI tract malformations. The purpose of this study was to report the experience of a single center with ATDs in children, focusing on the natural history, associated malformations, and their impact on patient management.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis over 14 years, collecting prenatal, clinical, surgical, and follow-up data. We focus on associated anomalies prenatal and postnatal management, and outcomes.
Results:
Sixty-three patients with ATD (thirty-six females, twenty-seven males, aged 1 day to 14 years) were enrolled in this study. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 22 patients (35%), of whom 8 showed compression signs. Elective surgery was performed at a mean age of 1.5 years in prenatally diagnosed cases. The others presented symptoms at a mean age of 5.2 years (55.5%) or were detected incidentally (9.5%) at a mean age of 10.7 years. In four patients (6.3%), we identified multiple duplications, and ten cases (15.8%) were found with associated anomalies.
Conclusion:
The wide spectrum of clinical appearance of ATDs and a comprehensive knowledge of human embryology might define surgical management, which should always be patient-tailored and respectful of the child's development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption