Megaduodenum secondary to jejunal atresia: a pediatric case report of a rare surgical complication
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Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
Kaishan Zhang1, Xiaohui Xian1, Yaqin Zhang1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Guangdong Medical University Hospital, Zhanjiang, China.
Insights
This case study shows that delayed diagnosis and treatment of pediatric megaduodenum, a complication of neonatal jejunal atresia repair, can be successfully managed with surgical intervention and long-term follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Neonatal jejunal atresia repair is crucial but can lead to late complications like megaduodenum.
- Long-term follow-up is essential for managing these complications.
Introduction And Importance:
Neonatal jejunal atresia repair is a critical surgery, but late complications such as megaduodenum can occur, emphasizing the need for continued follow-up and management.
Case Presentation:
We present a 13-year-old female with a history of neonatal jejunal atresia, repaired 13 years ago by side-to-side jejunojejunal anastomosis. Due to family circumstances, she was lost to follow-up and did not receive further care. Thirteen years after the primary surgery, she presented with chronic, non-specific symptoms of abdominal distension, vomiting, and malnutrition, leading to the diagnosis of megaduodenum.
Clinical Discussion:
The patient underwent duodenal resection and end-to-end duodenojejunal anastomosis. One year following the surgery, her symptoms completely resolved, and she showed significant nutritional recovery.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the importance of timely surgical intervention and long-term follow-up, demonstrating that anatomical reconstruction can be highly effective in treating pediatric megaduodenum, even when delayed by family-related factors.
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