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Adult duodenal webs. A difficult diagnosis.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|July 1, 1983
Summary
Congenital duodenal webs causing intestinal obstruction in adults are rare and difficult to diagnose. Definitive diagnosis often occurs during surgery for other conditions, highlighting the need for intraoperative exploration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Diagnosis
Background:
- Congenital duodenal webs are an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction in adults.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific imaging and altered endoscopic anatomy.
Observation:
- Three adult cases of duodenal webs causing obstruction were studied.
- Literature review highlighted diagnostic and management difficulties.
Findings:
- Nonspecific radiographic findings and obscured pyloric anatomy hinder preoperative diagnosis.
- Diagnosis is frequently made intraoperatively when the pylorus is found unobstructed during surgery for suspected peptic ulcer disease.
Implications:
- Duodenal webs should be suspected in adults with gastric or high duodenal obstruction.
- Intraoperative digital duodenal exploration is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.