Alimentary tract duplications in children

Annals of Surgery
|November 1, 1978
PubMed

Insights

Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital anomalies. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention in children significantly improve outcomes, despite associated risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Alimentary tract duplications are rare congenital malformations.
  • They can present with varied symptoms depending on location and size.
  • Ectopic mucosa, particularly gastric, is a common finding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical experience with alimentary tract duplications.
  • To analyze diagnostic patterns and surgical outcomes.
  • To identify factors influencing patient prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 78 cases of alimentary tract duplications.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and surgical outcomes.
  • Correlation of vertebral anomalies with duplication presence.

Main Results:

  • 78 duplications in 64 patients over 40 years.
  • 15% had multiple duplications; 15% had vertebral anomalies.
  • Diagnosis before one year of age occurred in two-thirds of patients.
  • Common surgical indications included masses, obstruction, and bleeding.
  • Favorable surgical outcomes with 20% mortality; deaths due to complications or anomalies.

Conclusions:

  • Alimentary tract duplications require prompt diagnosis and management.
  • Surgical intervention is associated with favorable outcomes.
  • Associated anomalies and surgical complications impact mortality.

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